tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70010869661343081672023-11-16T12:20:01.553+01:00I'm an FC Union Berlin ManAn Englishman covers his first season with a season ticket at 1. FC Union Berlin - 2012/2013Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13701576796770113871noreply@blogger.comBlogger62125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7001086966134308167.post-32993232707085015842013-07-06T08:36:00.001+02:002013-07-06T08:36:04.819+02:00New Union Berlin Website!<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="http://www.union-berlin.com/">www.union-berlin.com</a></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To the few hundred people who took the time to subscribe to this blog, many thanks. My first season with an Union dauerkarte was fantastic. A group of 6 people (including myself) have put together the above site. Hope you enjoy it!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13701576796770113871noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7001086966134308167.post-40521570626210697562013-06-21T09:04:00.003+02:002013-06-21T09:04:15.274+02:00The State of the Union<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Obama was in Berlin this week. You've probably worked that out unless you've been living under a rock. If you're reading this then I'm guessing you're probably not a cave dweller. He did not give a State of the Union address - he may as well have done though. His speech writers would have had an easier job in writing about the calm before the storm, which pretty summed up last nights stroll on the 'felde, than the bland message he apparently gave to 4,000 cherry picked loyalists. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pre-season is all about the new men. That and drinking beer and getting a closer look at the replica shirt. I'll discuss the new men after taking care of the other two topics. The beer was cheaper than at Union although a hefty €3 pfand for the Erdinger was a bit steep. I don't like the new kit. It's a bland affair and is neither modern nor retro. It's a halfway house of a kit that disappoints. In fairness, nothing would have been better than last years strip - aside from a red and white striped effort. I'll have to wait another season for that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of course I could wax lyrical about various passages of play and consult my notes on the first half and my half time overview of proceedings but it was a fucking friendly. Against a side that were there to give Union a work out. The opposition harried, attempted a high line but were probably unlucky to concede only 7 goals. Union were in 3rd gear. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Martin Dausch is a name that we'll no doubt be hearing a lot this term. He's an attacking player and his interchanging with Silvio was at times impressive. However, Union often come unstuck at home when Mattuschka roves too far forward and the game becomes narrow with a 4-3-3 in action rather than the 4-4-2 that was intended. Dausch will have to be careful he does not fall into this trap although one suspects the energy that he possesses will be of huge benefit to the team dynamic. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Quiring was hugging the right flank and the man from <a href="http://52suburbs.com/suburb/marzahn/" target="_blank">Marzahn</a> did what he always does. Produced stunning effort (rescuing an over hit cross from going out for a corner just in front of the 400 or so Unioner) yet suffered momentary lapses of concentration (when he misjudged a simple ball and ran to get it back successfully from his man). He's a young bloke with fire in his belly and the scorpion (date of birth was printed in the programme - handy) was an impressive outlet in the first half. It was of no surprise that Dausch' goal came from good work on the west wing. The keeper could only parry and the debutant was able to stroke home a goal to celebrate his first outing in Union colours. All this in under 5 minutes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If there has ever been a more nervous debut then I've yet to witness it. Mario Eggimann, the experienced Bundesliga defender, had the first touch of a gigantic land mammal. He proceeded to pass the ball between his feet as if it were a hot potato just grilled at the ground. Perhaps he was quite literally just finding his feet after a short summer or else the surface was unkind to him. He's a big lad but I would not be expecting raking 40 yard balls out of defence from him - possibly a good thing anyway. He became much more comfortable as the game progressed and was always looking for the short ball. He was rarely tested defensively and the freak goal (it was drilled in from an acute angle and seem to take Haas by surprise as he deflected it off the post and into his own goal) had nothing to do with him so although he'll be disappointed his defence did not keep a clean sheet, he'll no doubt of enjoyed getting his first game out of the way.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There were over 8,000 police in the city centre on Wednesday for the visit of the American President. Apologies for all the 'key words' - just hoping the NSA pick up on this piece as could do with the extra readership! Union were bombing forward launching wave after wave of attack and made it 3-1 just after the half hour mark with Silvio adding to Terodde's earlier effort. I nearly missed the goal as about 20 coppers went marching by in full kit. Must have been hot but probably a good assignment. Why on earth you need that many police (around 50 in total) is beyond me. I resisted the temptation of taking a photograph of the fat policeman eating a burger with gusto in his van. It's rumoured that Joe Kinnear will sign 'Gusto' next week. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Damir Kreilach was the third debutant and was operating in the centre of midfield. He was largely anonymous which as a defensive midfielder is a good thing. He has a neat touch and plays it simple and was like the fat plod - always hungry - but for the ball rather than greasy meat. Let's hope this occurs at the Alte Försterei as Union try to break down another side coming to sneak a 1-0. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, what is the state of the Union? I'd say there were a lot of positives judging by this work out. Clearly Martin Dausch will add an attacking option. He'll keep Mattuschka on his toes. The Union stalwart bagged a couple. A stunning 30 yard free-kick, that he placed with power rising high over the wall and nestling in the top corner, was the pick of the 7 goals. His penalty was put away with ease as he wrong footed for the keeper. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With <a href="http://liga-zwei.de/1-fc-union-berlin-soren-brandy-im-anflug-verlasst-silvio-die-eisernen/23327" target="_blank">rumours of more additions</a> to the squad this season should be an interesting one. The big challenge for Uwe Neuhaus will be finding a way to accommodate so many attack minded players. The 'we'll score one more than you' style worked at home last year but this mentality was non-existent on the road. Pfertzel and Parensen at full back won't work against better opposition. One wonders if Union are chasing the right targets or with the potential signing of Brandy, simply taking advantage of Duisburg's misfortune and ushering Silvio out of the door. He only has one year left to run on his current deal. It's unlikely that it will be renewed next year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whatever happens on the pitch the Unioner will continue to follow their side. The few hundred that made the trip across the city for the very enjoyable opening friendly will have had to get home quickly if they were to have avoided last night's storm. I was in 7th heaven as I jumped in a taxi - just as the Unioner will be if Neuhaus' tactics can be repeated on the opening day for real.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">FT. FC Viktoria 1889 Berlin 1:7 FC Union Berlin </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.77777862548828px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">First half: Haas – Pfertzel, Eggimann, Schönheim, Parensen – Kreilach – Quiring, Dausch – Zejnullahu - Silvio, Terodde</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.77777862548828px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Second half: Glinker – Kopplin, Puncec, Stuff, Kohlmann – Koch – Köhler, Razeek – Mattuschka - Nemec, Skrzybsk</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13701576796770113871noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7001086966134308167.post-88777981531011628912013-05-26T22:33:00.000+02:002013-06-18T09:12:42.534+02:00Mein Erstes Mal / My First Time<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.1500000000000001; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s two weeks now since the last game of the league season at the Alte Försterei. Enough time having passed for some reflections on that game, and some of the contrasts between the British and German experience of football. As UnionBerlinMan has chronicled, a season that at times threatened the glimpse of play off glory stuttered to a halt through March and April, and as Duisburg arrived on the banks of the Spree, the decent and boisterous crowd seemed prepared for an enjoyable but not over-taxing kick around in the sun.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Duisburg faithful – sporting blue and white inflatables that made them look like Smurfs – were not the only exotic visitors to Köpenick that weekend, however.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A small delegation of British supporters, anxious to rediscover the joys of standing, enjoying a social ale, and a refreshingly Robbie Savage-free match day experience, had been wooed by the Wilson’s blog posts – and the promise of disarmingly cheap beer – to understand and digest the Union match day experience.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBeGZmmbO920bVRSvqBqb_EkYVs-i5TZhuT57VqyRSFu0n5Z-WhK2YHJ2tvqnqs_C4wKvsF5J56kRss67Fb8db-7xvnuUhnc6cwJcP8aKJsuGzbavbfNGxY7WKVD2A52OaxpEMcPAvNMg/s1600/Minton_Union2scarf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBeGZmmbO920bVRSvqBqb_EkYVs-i5TZhuT57VqyRSFu0n5Z-WhK2YHJ2tvqnqs_C4wKvsF5J56kRss67Fb8db-7xvnuUhnc6cwJcP8aKJsuGzbavbfNGxY7WKVD2A52OaxpEMcPAvNMg/s400/Minton_Union2scarf.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We Are Back For Attack</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.1500000000000001; white-space: pre-wrap;">Without being over-analytical, and also without particularly having consulted the others, save for a few hours of rambling post match banter in the bars of Neukölln, after a couple of weeks reflection, I thought I’d offer some ideas of what felt familiar and what was different.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In many ways, the match day experience itself was very familiar. Even for two of our party who are long term and ‘proper’ fans of the two of the English league’s big boys (The Guv is a west London Chelsea, Geoff a United supporter from Timperley) the sight of thousands of people cramming into boozers, decked out in replica kits, the security searches at the gates and necking of beers on the train, were all pretty par for the course.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And the ground itself – given that Union are second tier – was not that different from some traditional British grounds. Two of our number – the Hatton brothers – are born and bred Fulham fans, and the Cottage with its wooden stands and steep home and away ends is perhaps the closest of any major English grounds to the Alte Försterei (of course with the major difference being the seats – or lack of them in Berlin). But my memories of watching Sunderland at Barnsley, Burnley, and other lower tier grounds, where until recently at least you could stand where you want, were very much in line with the Union set up. Geoff, who is increasingly following Altrincham when he can, would probably felt the most familiar with the idea of 90 minutes on concrete steps, surrounded by moustachioed, well rounded men. Though I think the terraces at Alty are a little more sparsely populated.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So lots of things to make us feel at home. And even the stuff that was different was different in a quirky way. We could see why Wilson, Jon Darch (he of Safe Standing fame, no less) and the other expats we met had really taken the place to their hearts.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">QPR Mike, a despondent season ticket holder if ever there was one, recounted the tale of some poor Norwegian sap, over at Loftus Road for a taste of the “EPL”, being warned by a rotund female steward for having the temerity to sip on a warm plastic bottle of Carlsberg within sight of the pitch. Watching Rangers this season would have driven anyone to drink, presumably, but Mike and the rest of us were relieved – and delighted – to be able to tuck into a few lagers while watching the match. A helpful chap with a keg on his back even brought it right to us (NB it is possible there will be Germans reading this who are thinking “what is so radical about allowing grown-ups to drink a beer?”. Enough said).</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And of course the atmosphere, and the fans – though similar, actually felt really different. Like Wilson, I’ve been following Sunderland for many years in the UK. Often, parts of the experience – while bonding and uplifting in many ways – has left me despondent about people. The negativity, refusal to respect other opinions and the frankly unimagintative nature of much of the singing (“he scores when he wants...” ; “Your support is f**king shit” etc dragged out ad nauseum by fans of all teams) felt in stark contrast to the actions and passions of the Union fans. The genuine warmth with which fans greeted the “out of contract” players in their pre-match lap of honour, which was reciprocated by the players themselves, was a superb touch. And the hearty, positive and robust singing throughout the game (OK my German is scheisse, so they COULD have been singing “Union till I die...”) really did make the hairs stand on end – even for a neutral with no interest in the result, and even less knowledge of the players.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the lads and Union's Mascot</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.1500000000000001; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pretty much the same group of us had – in 2011- been to Hamburg to watch St Pauli v Wolfsburg (1-1 draw) and before that to FC Bayern v 1.FC Koln (2-2 draw). So it was nice to see a positive result this time. But our overall impression of German football support, and in particular the way the FC Union fans and club conduct themselves, was incredibly positive.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvmgP6tzg-Pdj6LrM4FyDF69qSZbyBXFKur_7Xv2_3GwVq_e9xLOMyXmbx_pSamV-3GhtiSmnzxPNAmpQCSYxZtoDe7TF8xBBSoDwzFb17ScN9WRMQkKED9EiNchA8QKkuM3S4QpTt_k/s1600/Minton_Union1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvmgP6tzg-Pdj6LrM4FyDF69qSZbyBXFKur_7Xv2_3GwVq_e9xLOMyXmbx_pSamV-3GhtiSmnzxPNAmpQCSYxZtoDe7TF8xBBSoDwzFb17ScN9WRMQkKED9EiNchA8QKkuM3S4QpTt_k/s400/Minton_Union1.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keep the red flag flying high</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.1500000000000001; white-space: pre-wrap;">Post match, of course, the rituals were mostly the same – copious ales, amusing banter (to us anyway), a “sing-off” with some random St Pauli fans – our homages to Owen Hargreaves, Mark Schwarzer, Fitz Hall and Anthony le Tallec bamboozled them – and of course a late night kebab. I’d definitely recommend a visit, and we shall certainly return. Thanks Wilson, Jon, US Matt, and of course all the Union Fans we met and who made us feel very welcome. If any of you are ever in the UK get in touch and we’ll return the hospitality.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">_____</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a footnote, toward the end of the Duisburg game, a Union supporter, impressed at our interest in his club, gave me his scarf as a reminder of the occasion. It was a great gesture. The following week, watching Sunderland lose to a late Bale goal at Spurs, I happened to be sitting next to young German lads who’d bought tickets for the game on the internet, not realising they’d be in the middle of 2000 heavy drinking and boisterous mackems. They were a bit perplexed, but seemed to be enjoying themselves, even though they had no idea about Sunderland or even where it was. I told them of our trip to the Alte Försterei and they were impressed, and complementary about the club (even though they themselves were Bayern Fans). But given the generosity of the Berliners, I felt I should complete the exchange – sort of – so gave one of them my SAFC London Branch badge, which he sported with pride for the rest of the match. I still think he was pleased when the final whistle blew. </span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13701576796770113871noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7001086966134308167.post-82616213441697012412013-05-19T13:00:00.000+02:002013-05-19T13:00:36.264+02:00The last day of the season - Bochum v Union<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On occasion, to understand the present, you must revisit the past. To understand today's clash against Bochum I must first recount 'Spieltag 1' against Kaiserslautern. From the 'diary'...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Spieltag 1</b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><br />1. FC Kaiserslautern v 1. FC Union Berlin<br /><br />Sky TV had decided to televise Union’s opening fixture - on a Monday night. It must be a 1500km round-trip I thought (I was only about 100km off). North-east v south-west. What a distance to travel. Last year Kaiserslautern were in the top flight. A huge test for Union. Whilst Germany does not quite shut down in the manner of France or Spain in August, it’s a quiet time of year for the worker. Would there be a 'factory fortnight' where factories shut down as they did in the north-east of England? Would the Unioner be on holiday? Would the match being on TV reduce the away attendance? I had nobody to ask. I’d have to watch and try and discover how many fans had made the trip and decipher the German commentator.<br /><br />A blunt summary of the first half would be that it was terrible. Goalless at half-time. I sat on my sofa in Neukölln fairly happy with 0-0. I was surprised to see Union’s club captain on the bench. I’d written rave reviews on my blog about Mattuschka. Shit, is he on his way out I thought? Whilst this was my first year with a season ticket I’d watched Union since I arrived in Berlin in the summer of 2010. Mattuschka was the most likely to cause the opposition problems. He was only just over 30 - what was going on? Again, I had nobody to ask. My German was OK but I’d not discovered message boards at this stage and anyway, the ‘eisern virus’ had not caught hold of me at this stage. Not to the extent that I’d later find myself scratching around the club website trying to read as much history about the club as was possible. If I put as much effort into learning the language as I did with Union I’d be fluent. Understanding Union and learning German went hand in hand I always told myself as I wasted more hours searching for news about the club I was becoming addicted to.<br /><br />Back on the sofa I was sat with my Ringtons tea - flown in via a parcel from my Dad - and was hoping for a point. I’d managed to understand that there were over 30,000 fans in the stadium although the commentator was too quick and I did not catch the exact figure. Fucking German numbers, everything’s backwards - my excuse. With Mattuschka ‘benched’ the midfield included a player I’d rarely seen - Tijani Belaid. The youngster appeared a cut above the rest in the second half which was less than 10 minutes old when Union were 2-0 up. This was brilliant. The season was going to get off to a flyer - momentum is key I told myself. It was just a shame I had nobody to watch the game with. I’d hoped that Union would help ingratiate myself into the city and that I’d meet more Germans. II was delighted but the euphoria was tinged with that lonely feeling that only true football fans will appreciate. Sitting on your own watching your team winning with nobody to celebrate with. I explained to my girlfriend that Union were two up. She humoured me.<br /><br />As a Sunderland fan I’d seen countless promotions and relegations. I had actually lost count and I was only in my early thirties. Every season we seemed to have something to play for on the last day of the season. However, even if the last day had been spent narrowly avoiding relegation there was almost an optimism. Things would be different. Here Union were two goals to the good against decent opposition and I started to feel optimistic. What a time to start writing about the club. Union were more similar to Sunderland than I thought. They conspired to squander the lead and then the sucker punch - Kaiserslautern scored in the 86th minute to make it 3-2 to the home side. Always the way, I consoled myself. I’d hoped for a draw. That would have only been one point so a defeat is not that bad. <br /><br />‘Fucking get in’, I screamed. Luisa just looked up and smiled. She was now used to my outbursts at a screen that could not hear me. Nobody who cared about the result could hear me. I did not care though. We’d sneaked a draw - 3-3. It felt like a win. That’s how it starts. They reel you in, they wow you, they disappoint you and in the end everything is as it was. The same. I was getting those same feelings for Union that I got with Sunderland. I just had nobody to share them with apart from Rob who I had bought my season ticket with. I’d said to Rob that as long as we went to about 10 games the ticket would be worth it. I was beginning to realise that I would not want to miss a game. I had to find more people like me. <br /><br />Ergebnis: 1. FC Kaiserslautern 3:3 1. FC Union Berlin</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Date: Friday 3rd August 2012</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That was my personal account of the first day of the season and for the last day of the season I'll be watching the game in Zur Traube - or as I call it, The Union Kneiper. I've only been a handful of times but already I'm on first name terms with the staff and a few of the locals. I've written over 60,000 words about Union this season. Some of it published, some of it saved for my book that I'll write one day about the club. I've decided I'll keep a few years worth of diaries and write the book when 'something' happens. The blog was designed as a way to chart my first year with a season ticket. Keep an eye on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/unioninenglisch">www.facebook.com/unioninenglisch</a> for the Union news in English and a big announcement in early July...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh and if you were wondering - over the course of the season I have found there are plenty more people like me!</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">UND NIEMALS VERGESSEN EISERN UNION!</b></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13701576796770113871noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7001086966134308167.post-82441301457919576422013-05-09T13:57:00.000+02:002013-05-09T13:57:49.947+02:00Preview for Minton & Co - 1. FC Union Berlin v MSV Duisburg<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A short and self-indulgent blog post previewing the last home game of the season for my good mate Minton and his gang of reprobates. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. FC Union Berlin host MSV Duisburg on Sunday afternoon in their last home game of the season. In the history books the season will go down as one where Union regressed, albeit marginally. In 2011/2 Union finished in 7th place and amassed 50 points. Even with back to back victories in their final two games they can't surpass this total. They can finish one place higher should 1860 slip up. Unlikely. Last weeks 3-0 away defeat came as no surprise as Union's miserable away form continued - they are yet to beat the Bavarians in ten attempts. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Duisburg sit one place behind Union and 3 points adrift of the Berliners. Whilst it's a dead rubber, with neither team having anything to play for, the game promises goals as jointly the clubs have shipped over 90 goals. If there is a repeat of the Union v Rostock match, which ended 5-4 at the end of last term, the leaky defences could breach the hundred mark. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The form guide would suggest a score draw. The Alte Försterei has been a happy hunting ground for Duisburg though, as they have won twice in the capital. One of Union's two away victories in the league came against Duisburg. Could they be the first team that Union do the double over? I'd back Union to win 2-1 or go draw HT and home win FT.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The old grill walker - now you get your sausages from the Kiosk</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Daniel Göhlert and Christoph Menz will be bidding farewell to the Union fans and will no doubt receive a warm send off from the supporters. I'd like to see Terodde and Nemec up front reeking havoc. Whilst it is good to give youth a chance I'd rather see the young striker </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Skrzybski on the bench and given a run out for 30 minutes. He was withdrawn just after the hour mark in the reserve fixture on Wednesday evening. You'd assume, to save his legs for Sunday. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For those fortunate enough to be going to the game you'll be treated to some Clash covers (amongst others) by the band, 'Kiez Germs' after the game. The team will stick around after the match and sign autographs. It promises to be a sunny day in Köpenick on Sunday - let's hope for a performance that mirrors the support from the Unioner this year!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Und Niemals Vergessen...Eisern Union!!!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13701576796770113871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7001086966134308167.post-37388968866240763152013-04-21T22:12:00.000+02:002013-04-21T22:12:18.550+02:00Union's mid-season promise extinguished <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Union had a dreadful start to the season; if Neuhaus' men don't thump Regensburg on Friday evening at home, they risk creating a neat narrative for sports journalists. A season of promise decimated by two book-ends of worthless point gathering. The two draws against Dresden and Paderborn have been book-ended themselves by two pastings on the road. Both Frankfurt and Aalen put three past Union without reply. Union were dispatched far too easily and the result on the message boards has been the rumbling of discontent. Will we take this form into next season some Unioner are wondering?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whilst it is difficult to second-guess 'Eisern' in the transfer market, they clearly won't be lavishing large sums on new players. Acquisitions will be frugal and loan signings key. Gallegos netted two for the reserves during the week. That is possibly more his level than with a team challenging for the top end of Liga 2. Union will be hoping that if they do manage to sign a decent player on loan they see more of him than they have of the injury ravaged Chilean. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To defend Union's start to the campaign is easy. They were beaten by Hertha and Braunschweig - the top 2 - and managed a point at Kaiserslautern who will finish 3rd and were playing in the top tier the previous season. In the same way Union are unable to defend away from the Alte Försterei, it is difficult to defend an away record that has yielded a feeble 2 points from 18. The fact one of those points was at the home of the Champions is some consolation; it also beggars the question, why can't Union find that form more often? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is the theory that Union have found their level as a mid-ranking Bundesliga 2 side. No shame in that. The history books tell us that is what Union were striving for. Many will tell you they'd rather Union continue in the current division. That's a lovely concept. A team that has a destiny of being placed between 6th and 10th every season. They have the odd cup run, flirt with a play off spot but ultimately the fans can go every week safe in the knowledge that nothing will change. The awaydays change as the top tier spit out the dross each season. The home form is a constant. The away form likewise as Union continue to rely on the atmosphere the Alte Försterei magically generates.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Football does not always go according to plan though. What is the plan anyway? To become less reliant on the club captain Torsten Mattuschka must clearly be at the forefront of Neuhaus' mind. How do you do this though? When Mattuschka is on form Union can often appear unstoppable at home. His touch, vision and dead ball skills are second to none. However, progress is paramount. One could argue that to build a team around one man is not to build a team at all. A tautology if ever there was one. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Should Union fear next season or write the end of the campaign off as simply players with an eye and a half on the summer holidays and not having to run up and down the concrete steps at the ground during training? The mid-season effort was supreme. Union lost only 1 game in 13 between the end of September when they beat Köln to early December when they rightly collected all 3 points against Kaiserslautern. 7 wins and 5 draws meant that the festive optimism reverberating around the Weihnachtssingen was not simply fueled by the drink. It was fueled by facts that not even a 4:3 reverse against Braunschweig could dampen. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The run was important though as Union's momentum slowly took them away from the relegation scrap and eased the pressure on the players. Nemec in particular seemed to benefit as Union's points tally increased. The effort that was expended may have been too much for Union to hope to maintain throughout the later stages of the season. Recently the team as a unit have lacked the bite that Suarez showed with his feet and mouth today. Perhaps a direct effect of the mid-season efforts. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Union welcome Regenburg to Köpenick on Friday and will be expecting to add to the goals for column against a side who leak on average almost 2 goals per game. Perhaps with only two home games left, the Friday night fever restored with the sale of alcoholic beer the team will give the fans something to shout about. The Dresden atmosphere has been much discussed. A full-house means more 'part-timers' so lets blame them. I reckon a few beers, an early goal and another 3 points will have everyone looking at the positives again. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13701576796770113871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7001086966134308167.post-25060084690938758552013-04-16T23:08:00.000+02:002014-02-09T15:43:45.709+01:00Not a match report - Union 0:0 Dresden <div>
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I had an inkling I'd not write a match report about the Union v Dresden match on Friday evening. Perhaps it was knowing that I had an epic Berlin weekend ahead; the weather was looking decent and it was the usual 'gang of three' at the Försterei as we sat outside Abseitsfalle supping our Berliner Pilsner. Never has a €2-50 beer tasted so good. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rob, Matt and I had convened, as ever, at Ostkreux mid-afternoon. The joys of freelancing. We were knights without masters. Just without a lance - something the policeman in Newcastle probably wished he'd had! We were not looking for any trouble and there was far too many police around to risk it. Perhaps they should brief the police better when they drop them in Köpenick though. It's best to at least know the team colours the fans are wearing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After our leisurely beverages in the 'Offside Trap' bar we headed towards the ground. The sun had come out, we fancied a decent spot on the terraces and we knew we'd get a drink inside anyway. €1 per beer more expensive but well worth it. Unless the match is deemed a 'security risk' and the sale of alcoholic beer is banned. Shite. Oh well, we soon discovered that Glühwein still had alcohol in it. Just what you want on a balmy Spring evening. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I used to work with Rob in London and it safe to say that football has always united us. We've played in the same (pretty average) team and we now go to Union with our dauerkarte's. I met Matt when another mate Rob was visiting Berlin. We got chatting at the train station after the Köln game and my one season blog did not frighten him off and we've slowly developed a friendship aided and abetted by Union - and Eddie Izzard last week. But chiefly Union. That's what blokes do. They go to football as a way to socialise. Girls do it as well. Just blokes do it more.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why all the stuff about Union and my two mates? I'm not entirely sure but I think it is two fold. I'm not in the business of offending people (if I was I'd have recounted our take on Mormons) so don't take this the wrong way if we've met or we meet in the future. It's just football becomes ritualistic quite quickly. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ostkreuz pre-match. Abseitsfalle for a drink. Union Tanke for a drink when the weather is awesome. You get into a pattern of behaviour astonishingly rapidly. The football at Union is often criticised as being secondary in importance to the fans after the atmosphere. I'd go a step further. The atmosphere is a by-product, and thus also secondary to a bunch of people meeting up with their mates. Whether English, German, American, male or female. It's not about the result, it's not <i>just </i>about the atmosphere and it is certainly not about success. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm fortunate to come from a one club town. It was a town when I grew up and Sunderland's city status was conferred upon it. It has no cathedral. The football club is its Mecca I've always thought anyway. Whilst Union are a capital side the club does not have the look, feel or style of a team from the capital. Boundary changes welcomed in Köpenick as part of Berlin for starters. Adding to this feeling - for me as an Englishman - is that Germany is not at all 'capital-centric' due to many factors. All fairly self-evident if you open a history book. The Alte Försterei is situated on the edge of the forest and encapsulates the community feeling with Union's ticket office and press team still being housed in the Old Forester's house. I'm as at home at Union with my mates as I was at Sunderland with my mates. One teams results always has and always will mean a whole lot more to me. I can say that after a 3-0 derby win on enemy territory.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As we strolled along the back of the gegengerade with our strange tasting beer in hands we ruminated on how funny it was that we were now able to recognise the regulars. It was the 15th home game of the season and we looked out for Chris and his mates from Marzahn. Rob chatted away as we stood in the dazzling sun with well over an hour to go before kick off. Later we finally saw Simon and managed to catch up with him during the second half. Everyone has their ritual at Union. Felix was down below us photographing the fans - and a bit of the match. We were looking forward to the game, the atmosphere, but above all just being at the match together and sharing drinks, sausages and jokes. I also had my first pretzel at Union. I strongly suggest trying a Käse covered beast. Tremendous. Must taste even better with a beer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The game finished 0-0. Turgid. Dull. I read a few adjectives on Twitter. I've seen worse games. I'm not sure if I have seen worse at Union. Dresden came to not get beat. It's probably what the Newcastle v Sunderland game would have been like if Martin O'Neill had not been dismissed by the brave Sunderland Chairman, Ellis Short. A defensive one up top from Dynamo stifled the home side. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdKM6PYAr6QxvgD6tVJAFSVIn1qWuEMYHNHFO9E3GRQKCO4aRBmD5tqaSNIr2q_HEFlrJFEcFekOJGQv3wS3hxgmLt4wG4Krxx1_Ucd2jpdU5dOMq6S5zA1TGszI9zBtyXYet216RU2Mk/s1600/Union_Dresden_Felix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdKM6PYAr6QxvgD6tVJAFSVIn1qWuEMYHNHFO9E3GRQKCO4aRBmD5tqaSNIr2q_HEFlrJFEcFekOJGQv3wS3hxgmLt4wG4Krxx1_Ucd2jpdU5dOMq6S5zA1TGszI9zBtyXYet216RU2Mk/s400/Union_Dresden_Felix.jpg" height="237" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Classic Union choreography</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Post-match</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyway, this is no match report but it is my final blog post after a home game. I'm at a wedding for Union's penultimate home game so Rob will man the fort. The last game of the season will see a guest post from another good friend as he tastes Union for the first time. The blog and twitter moniker were designed to be a 'one season only' affair. I've made no firm decision on the @UnionBerlinMan account after bumping in to a couple of people on Saturday and Sunday that I was connected to on Twitter. I quite like the name and don't think I have the energy for another blog about a different subject matter - the old kneiper's of Neukölln do need to be checked out and what better excuse! In the name of research. A few match reports for the new Union in Englisch website perhaps? That will be with you in the summer. We'll keep you all posted of course. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The evening ended via one of Friedrichshain's best pizza restaurants and a Späti. Whilst it was not classic Union on a Friday night we all kept up our side of the ritual. Saturday morning was a struggle. In my defence I was still drinking an Irish coffee in Mitte just after noon the next day. Union surrendered their 5 home Friday night games played, five won record. We cemented our friendship the way blokes so often do. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can only apologise for the lack of football involved in this blog post. I could have never predicted what my first season at Union would entail. It's been about the people. My mates Rob and Matt. Everyone else I have met at Union. People who have sent nice messages via social media - from America, Canada, Finland and of course the UK. All of these components have added up to create a story I'd never have envisaged. Certainly not when walking out of a Neukölln bar and being asked if I was the Union Berlin man! The blog post is sounding like the season is over. Well, after Union's 1 point from 6 away from home and the subsequent draw against Dresden it genuinely is in terms of relegation or promotion. It's fitting though for this narrative.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Union is about more than the result. Union is bigger than Köpenick. It's bigger than Berlin. The spirit of Union lives inside every Unioner. That is what a club is. A combination of people, friendships and memories. From those no longer with us - many asked for their ashes to be scattered at Roker Park and I can only guess this happens at Union - to those who are the current day spine of the support. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A club may be defined by statisticians by the results. By the money men by the balance sheet. For me it is the people. Managers and players are rightly part of the history and are a fabric that weaves between the fans. The fans are always the strongest though. They invest the most in their club. Their time; often at vast expense in relation to income. I'll always go to Union as long as live in Berlin. I'll always be a Sunderland and Union fan for as long as I live. Thanks for a great season everyone. <i>Einmal Unioner, Immer Unioner!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">As ever, pictures are from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GroundhoppingEtc" target="_blank"><b>Groundhopping Etc.</b></a> A big thank you to Felix for the season's images. Like his page to make sure you don't miss any Union snaps.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13701576796770113871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7001086966134308167.post-49193040043873189762013-04-09T17:04:00.000+02:002013-04-09T17:17:20.993+02:00The Iron Man: Uwe Neuhaus is not for turning<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Firstly an apology to all Union fans. I'm very sorry that the 'Iron Lady' nickname for Maggie Thatcher ever came about. It's a slight on the club, the fans and above all the metal substance that we see on the Periodic table as Fe. Two years ago Dirk Zingler (Union President) had to answer to media mutterings about his links to the Stasi. Recently, my hometown club Sunderland AFC appointed Paulo Do Canio and were lambasted by a man who many think is a war criminal and a newspaper that hacked the nation. Pretty much. Who said football and politics don't intermingle? </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Spitting Image' of the 'Iron Lady'</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Neuhaus has been relentless in pursuing his 4-4-2 approach this term, both home and away, no matter the result or consequences. The Iron Man of Union Berlin is certainly not for turning. He may have dropped his shoulder at the start of the campaign, toyed with one up front but he's boldly kept faith with Terodde and Nemec leading the Union attack. Why is this? It's probably one of the most interesting tactical questions of Union's season. That and why does does Ozbek wear his collar up, Neuhaus never wear a suit and Zoundi get such a great reaction from the Gegengerade. I think he just has one of those names to be honest.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Iron Man</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are a number of reasons. Firstly, how else do you play so narrow yet allow space for Mattuschka to shine and influence? Nemec, in particular, plays as what Big Ron would have called, as an 'auxiliary winger' - I do miss racist Ron and his non-racist commentary. Nemec pulls players out of position and this opens up the centre for 'Tusche to exploit. The advantage of this approach is that often a full-back and centre half are torn between who marks the big Slovak. On occasion Nemec drifts wide and curls in a cross-cum-shot - see Last Sunday. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Secondly, Nemec and Terodde are building up an understanding. If you watched the last two away games you may have thought they were two strangers who had met once and decided they did not like each other. If you've been at the Alte Försterei all season you'd have witnessed a blossoming footballing front-two romance. Nemec was a little frigid at first but when he found his feet, this combined with Terodde hitting a purple patch. Clearly, with time spent on the training pitch, the two gradually developed an understanding. Goals followed as a Berlin Spring follows Winter. Yes, it was a bit slow but worth the wait. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thirdly, it is a matter of personnel. The Union midfield is made up of workers. They've not chipped in with their fair share of goals this campaign. If we remove Mattuschka from the equation the rest of the team have been hugely disappointing this season. Especially in light of going away to Kaiserslautern on the opening day and scoring three goals; you'll recall it was Parensen, Zoundi and Pfertzel that netted that day. Neuhaus - his gamble of dropping Mattuschka nearly paying dividends - was a man caught at the poker table with a hand that <i>nearly</i> worked. His problem was he wanted to keep playing the same hand. With Union winless in four, it took the derby against Hertha for Neuhaus to go for 4-4-2. After that he was a gambler fixated on the steady hand. Keep playing, stay at the table and eventually a pair will flush out those bluffing. His pair have done enough. Not enough for promotion but perhaps enough to better last season's 7th place finish.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Neuhaus has known no other way this season than 4-4-2 if he wants to win games. He decided against going one up front against Frankfurt and Union were resoundly dispatched 3-0. Another manager may have opted to pack the midfield and hope that the extra man aids the defensive unit. No tinkering with the defence this year has made a blind bit of difference. Stuff out, Stuff in. The defence looks shaky, devoid of confidence and one pass away from an error. Perhaps Neuhaus knows that attack really is the best form of defence and that is why Union have such an enviable home record and his able to rule Eisern with an iron fist. Let's hope he continues the good work. </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13701576796770113871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7001086966134308167.post-1899132503877083242013-03-26T12:04:00.001+01:002014-04-14T13:36:36.739+02:00Mein Erstes Mal / My First Time<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The third installment of the Mein Erstes Mal / My First Time series. This article will feature on the new website but if you'd like to share your first time at Union via this blog then please get in touch. </span></i><br />
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“The tears of Emil Kremenliev”</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;">1. FC Union <st1:state w:st="on">Berlin</st1:state>
vs. Hannover 96 1:1 (0:0), att. 9,072, July 30, 2001</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222;"><br />
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<i><span style="background: white;">"You
have to come to <st1:place w:st="on">Union</st1:place>"</span></i><span style="background: white;">, Martin said, and at first I didn't think much of it.
The first football games I had seen live were in the Olympiastadion in the late
1990s: Hertha played a very successful season; it was the only time they ever
qualified for Champions League. I went along with my high-school friends, but
we didn’t really get hooked.</span><br />
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I got into football late to begin with. Oliver Bierhoff’s golden goal in the
Euro finals in 1996 sparked my interest and it was all downhill from there.<span style="background: white;"> I gorged on the vast array of statistics the sport
offered and took a general interest in how the other Berlin teams were doing.
Tennis Borussia played in second league, backed by a sleazy investor, convinced
they’d end up in Champions League. That bubble burst quickly. Union were also
in the headlines: as a third league team, they had a fantastic cup run with
thrilling matches that propelled them all the way to the final. I did not see
any of that in the stadium, though. I merely observed those teams from a
distance.</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVTHWVk6FF1FYHy4ybOPBIwxqsNRp-bUVNwp6Pf2cXZHCoNdK2kiTCmvb3dltjfGNP1-ttEGXPWJjIMeg753ue-kaujOz4jco1ynNH-8yD5Xlc5C0EVZz7ojx49M1ImtbTnwD-uK6Kb2k/s1600/Felix_Union_v_Hanover_ticket_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVTHWVk6FF1FYHy4ybOPBIwxqsNRp-bUVNwp6Pf2cXZHCoNdK2kiTCmvb3dltjfGNP1-ttEGXPWJjIMeg753ue-kaujOz4jco1ynNH-8yD5Xlc5C0EVZz7ojx49M1ImtbTnwD-uK6Kb2k/s400/Felix_Union_v_Hanover_ticket_.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="background: white;">"You
have to come to <st1:place w:st="on">Union</st1:place>!"</span></i><span style="background: white;"> When Union clinched promotion to second league during
the same year they got to the cup final, and I had moved to a place close to my
university that also happened to be two miles away from the Alte Försterei, I
finally heeded Martin's call. </span>My first Union match was their first-ever
appearance <span style="background: white;">in 2. Bundesliga, on July 30, 2001.
It was a hot Monday night, I wore shorts and the mild evening breeze wafted
through the unroofed terraces. I rocked back and forth on the crumbling steps as
I waited for the game to start. </span>I was able to satisfy my hunger for
stadium sausage without even leaving my spot, thanks to the “Grillwalkers”,
powerful half-man, half-grill cyborgs who roamed the stands plying their wares.
If there is anything I miss about the “old” <st1:place w:st="on">Union</st1:place>,
it is these fellows. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbG4lHVLeJQDxCw6j8nCYi9IIUFjjlGIHBtOOdtFCBqgYM9LYlnfy5lBpl11TPhEazGW1ZL0WPULjIx8vysqLs2LfEZTYofd8Ooy9a2GV5nokBJ3qAJOQ9C4uXd8L1GegnCfNUyuGFDh0/s1600/Grillwalker_lo-res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbG4lHVLeJQDxCw6j8nCYi9IIUFjjlGIHBtOOdtFCBqgYM9LYlnfy5lBpl11TPhEazGW1ZL0WPULjIx8vysqLs2LfEZTYofd8Ooy9a2GV5nokBJ3qAJOQ9C4uXd8L1GegnCfNUyuGFDh0/s400/Grillwalker_lo-res.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">9,072 people showed up that night, which was about the average
home attendance for the season. <st1:place w:st="on">Union</st1:place> played
Hannover 96, who were the odds-on favorites to win the league (which they
easily did in the end). They would not have an easy start into the season,
though: <st1:place w:st="on">Union</st1:place> fought and played well,
motivated by a vivacious crowd.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I recognized some familiar melodies from my time at Hertha, but
there were also several unique Union chants, like a call-and-response of
“Eisern” and “Union”, bounced off the Waldseite (behind the goal) and the
Gegengerade (opposite of the main stand). Songs that you just had to sing along
to, some even told you to: “1. FC Union <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:state w:st="on">Berlin</st1:state></st1:place>
– und alle!” (“everybody!”). There was also a unique way to celebrate goals,
though I had to wait 76 minutes to hear it, after Kostadin Vidolov entered the
box from the right wing and gracefully curved the ball around the keeper into
the far corner.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After you shout the player’s name, the stadium announcer says:
“Und niemals vergessen…” (“never forget”) and the crowd roars back: “Eisern
Union!” three times. That night I would have loved to shout it more often, but
Vidolov (who was the Torsten Mattuschka of the time) only hit the crossbar with
a cracking free-kick. When one of <st1:place w:st="on">Hannover</st1:place>’s
men was sent off with a red card in minute 81, everything pointed towards a big
surprise. But only sixty seconds later, the ball crossed the Union goal line.
The tabloid headlines next day would scream “The tears of Emil Kremenliev” –
the unlucky Union defender who accidentally headed a rather harmless high cross
into his own net.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was a bit disappointing, as I felt <st1:place w:st="on">Union</st1:place>
had deserved to win. But it was not disheartening. People in the stands were
still in good spirits. I was filled with a feeling of comfort and community
that never, ever left me. It was probably just as well that they didn’t win, I
got to experience early on that winning is not necessarily what <st1:place w:st="on">Union</st1:place> is about. </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A lot of
Union fans are in it out of conviction, no matter how the team plays. Many of
them are also strong advocates for the team, telling their friends and families
about the good time they had at the Alte Försterei. Today, I am proud to count
myself among their ranks. And I will tell you what Martin once told me all
those years ago: <i>"You have to come
to <st1:place w:st="on">Union</st1:place>!"</i></span></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13701576796770113871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7001086966134308167.post-15063600346648330752013-03-20T12:27:00.001+01:002013-03-20T17:50:06.510+01:00The chase for 3rd place<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Win a game at home and Union find themselves in the media glare as play-off contenders. Lose a match away and their mental strength is questioned when away from the Alte Försterei. The players know their away form has not been good enough. Why else moot paying for travel to loyal supporters for the forthcoming long-distance away games?</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvsTYd_PCOFS13yNWZa_axZEaB4UhtnVQHrFwAZAHuGzspVkAPmTBewV3f1vxVhtr8Qb_djo8Jmiy6sL3oi5_OOVGruy0kB7ZuwvAOjixaomge4-1v6lUPJuLkcA7VwcePQJ2lOLSWElk/s1600/Table+26+games.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvsTYd_PCOFS13yNWZa_axZEaB4UhtnVQHrFwAZAHuGzspVkAPmTBewV3f1vxVhtr8Qb_djo8Jmiy6sL3oi5_OOVGruy0kB7ZuwvAOjixaomge4-1v6lUPJuLkcA7VwcePQJ2lOLSWElk/s400/Table+26+games.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A wise man told me you can prove anything with stats. Union are therefore the 5th best team in the league.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A blog I read recently highlighted the fact the players are not machines - very true. At only the very highest level can players perform consistently. I'd argue that the truth about Union's season lies not in home or away form, nor in their defensive frailties but in their squad size. Union are a team punching beyond individual weight. Collectively Union - players, manager, scouts, backroom staff, fans, stadium - form a colossus that no team in the league can rival. Union's 'us against them' mentality turns what should be guaranteed losses into points. They've taken 4 points from Kaiserslautern. The retort - we'll buy one of your best players. They've traded 3 points a piece with Köln, who are genuine play-off contenders after a slow start this term. They went to rivals Hertha and were unlucky not to take all 3 points back to East Berlin. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Union squad has been assembled, not on a shoe string budget, but on a thread, dangling from the coat tails of the clubs that have paid them handsomely for the likes of Ede, and to a much lesser extent in terms of revenue, Markus Karl. Every club below FC Hollywood is a selling club in Germany. It's just to what extent they are a selling club. Union, mindful of not sliding into financial ruin once more, are speedy to sell and must pontificate before making a signing. Many of these involving no transfer fee. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What do Union look for in a new signing? In the youthful Nemec they looked for raw talent and a player that would strive to reach the 'next level' whether that be with Union or another club. He's slowly found form this season. Time, good coaching and now goals have put him on the brink of the Slovakian international squad. Judging by his early displays for Union, few would have predicted such a rise. Whilst the rise has not been meteoric, he's grown in strength and his positional play has improved. He also looks confident. Whether from 25 yards out against Braunschweig or 6 yards out against Pauli. His header at the Olympiastadion perhaps the pick of the bunch. Exquisite positioning, brute strength and fillip of good fortune at Mattuschka's beautifully angled cross. He's a signifier of Union's intentions and the club's potential. If they can cling on to such players whilst balancing the books then they can be expected to start strongly next season. They'll move from rank outsider to a bookies favourite for a top 3 finish. Coping with the expectation will be a new experience.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've dreamed of Union putting a late run together and finishing third. I've also studied the run-in for the teams in and around Union. However, it's Kaiserslautern who the chasing pack must catch. The match against Köln will go a long way to deciding who gets the chance to play for a place in the top flight. After that game Kaiserslautern have a relatively easy run of games. Conversely, Union face tricky away games and only three more home games. The weight of those last eight fixtures precludes Union from entering the race for third - this year. Five away games and three at home would suggest making up the 6 point gap is a bridge too far. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A stronger start to next season, a couple of extra signings, key men staying free from injury and the club have a solid platform to challenge next year. As ever, football is about momentum, hard work and that element that nobody can predict, luck. I've always thought you make your own luck. Union have the necessary ingredients. Let's hope it's a promotion cake we're all scoffing in 2014! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13701576796770113871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7001086966134308167.post-34478999307631927382013-03-19T16:46:00.004+01:002013-03-26T11:58:42.782+01:00Mein Erstes Mal / My First Time<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The second installment of the Mein Erstes Mal / My First Time series. This article will feature on the new website but if you'd like to share your first time at Union via this blog then please get in touch. </span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Union<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By Tim Hobden<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Forgive me for breaking with convention, but my love affair
with 1.Fc Union wasn’t forged by the cracking atmosphere. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nor was I wooed by the defiant fan culture. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shockingly, it was the team, the players, and one game in
October 2008, which means I now nervously wait for Tweet updates from the Alte Försterei.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was a standard lads’ weekend away. I’d managed to lure a
small band of mates away from the confines of an Irish bar – don’t ask me which
one – into the drizzly Prenzlauer Berg afternoon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I didn’t intend spending four hours mainlining Berliner Pils
while gawping at Soccer Saturday, as it excitedly told me Rotherham were drawing
nil-nil with Macclesfield. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nor did I want to don a sweaty helmet and put my dignity at
risk on a city Segway tour, while an American tourist repeatedly shouted: “So,
where’s Hitler’s bunker?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wanted earthy city culture. Not post-modern attempts at
art in a derelict warehouse. I wanted proper sights and sounds. And, I won’t
lie, a decent bratwurst. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A simple scan of the interweb informed me of a third
division tie between FC Union and SC Paderborn. That’ll do. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A rallying clap of the hands gathered two semi-enthusiastic
pals and one who clearly misheard the activity on offer, while four still found
Jeff Stelling more appealing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I strode purposefully towards the U-bahn with a finger stuck
to the Kopenick stop on the map and my less than merry band in tow. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The thongs of red bobble hats, scarf skirts and sleeveless
denim jackets bubbling out of the station suggested we were headed in the wrong
direction.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the assumption they weren’t all bound for a 40<sup>th</sup>
birthday party where the theme was ‘random third division football club’, we
about-turned and followed. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unfortunately, my first experience of Union was at the
less-than-grey Jahn Sportpark. A Soviet-style complex with huge floodlight
pylons arching over the oval.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cordons of disinterested police stood stony faced as we
purchased bottles of one Euro beer from vendors lent over shopping trolleys… we
all wondered how Rotherham were getting on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the record, I got my sausage (two). And we filed into a
block behind the goal. Fans packed into one side, the rest of the stadium was
sparsely populated at best. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was nice to see a series of vehicles parked on the
running track in a flashback to a 1980s Stamford Bridge.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Meanwhile, Paderborn fans obviously hadn’t got the email and
almost universally forgotten to turn up, despite the fact they topped the
league and were facing the second placed team.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As initial impressions go, it was less than inspiring. I was
about to be proven wrong.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A Kop-style display of unfurled scarves and a grumbly choir
shouted out the Eisern anthem. The chants began in earnest and we would get a
taste of Union fans in full flow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was, however, all about the game. To be as brief as
possible, Union were two nil down and had a man sent off. They looked dead and
buried. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The ten men were beleaguered with a little over 20 minutes
left and we started mulling drinking holes to head to. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But, in a script Roy of the Rovers writers would declare too
fanciful (and, yes, they would use that word), Union turned the game on its
head in spectacular fashion. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Three goals, including a winner at the death, fired the team
to the top of the league, leapfrogging Paderborn in the process.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A more spirited comeback I don't remember seeing and
haven’t seen since – especially with top spot at stake. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And that was it. I was hooked… all over 20 minutes of
football.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By the time we reached the bar, the late afternoon
Premiership match was about to kick-off. We couldn’t have cared less. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Talk was about a stunning football match, warming shots of
Jaegermeister to toast each ripple of the net – and, where the hell is
Paderborn?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had been collared by a supporter in the stadium who told
us all about the fans redeveloping the ground, the rivalry with Dynamo etc. Yes,
it all added spice. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But, in truth, it didn't need tarting up. This was my new
team… and to think Soccer Saturday almost got in the way.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Here is a decent snapshot of the afternoon </i><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXNpiw2d-HI"><i>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXNpiw2d-HI</i></a></span><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> –
listen to the cameraman is the video (for some reason I am picturing a man with
a huge beard).</span><b><o:p></o:p></b></i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13701576796770113871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7001086966134308167.post-14043078751085433602013-03-16T10:16:00.000+01:002013-03-16T10:28:31.593+01:00Union narrowly edge 'Kult-duell' as they hit 4 past Pauli<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was billed as a 'cult duel' by portions of the Berlin media and on paper it had the makings of a classic. The game was sold out with standing tickets being sold on Ebay for around four times face value. I did wonder whether the game would live up to the atmosphere or crumble under the weight of expectation. I've only witnessed one goalless game at the Alte Försterei - against Vfr Aalen back in November. A game so forgettable, I had to research when it occurred. Since that game, and prior to the Pauli fixture, Union have taken part in games that have yielded an astonishing 43 goals in 12 matches. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It does not take a statistician to see that Union have major problems defensively. Only five clean sheet in the league this season must make for depressing reading for Union's backroom staff. Uwe Neuhaus had uttered the classic refrain in his midweek press conference that it's common knowledge that 'you don't change a winning team' and after a defeat Neuhaus always rings the changes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was a surprise to see Christian Stuff on the bench as he made way for Schönheim / Kohlman - as Menz was also a casualty of the defeat in Cottbus against 10 men. One wonders if that match will play a crucial point in determining Union's fate this season.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pauli came in to the game on the back of three straight wins and Neuhaus has talked up the visitors defensive capabilities whilst almost marveling at how well they have done of late - dragging themselves in to contention for a late challenge to the play-off spot. The Bundesliga 2 is a tight league and is impossible to call as most of those attempting to displace Kaiserslautern in 3rd are inconsistent. This was again demonstrated on Friday night as both Energie Cottbus and Frankfurt dropped much needed points against mid-table sides. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As is worryingly becoming the norm I had a few tasks to take care of prior to the game. The photography exhibition needed to be taken down so that the Eiserne Botschafter could use the room for a screening on Sunday night. I also had some tickets to shift and sold 2 tickets in Sektor 3 for less than the lad I was with had paid a tout for his solitary 'karte.' Love football hate ticket touts and all that. My journey to the 'other side' of Köpenick brought with it good fortune though, as when a mate turned up and informed me the Pauli team bus was parked outside the hotel opposite, I darted over, ignoring the red man much to the bemusement of the locals and gave the bus a small make-over. The manufacturers logo was now hidden by an 'Union in Englisch' sticker. All good fun.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJyrEIvHiPQqTCCA4qee-2CV65cX7RT_2nB53OQ5z34qOGWB7DO_gTQGqjgNzLI_GWA0HdnhqagkVsl36srLW7c9q5m-kSeE1Ek__2sRvGE3HejYBvIuxDIhZaGgvWoUx7hK2G5m9bQ0/s1600/Pauli+Bus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJyrEIvHiPQqTCCA4qee-2CV65cX7RT_2nB53OQ5z34qOGWB7DO_gTQGqjgNzLI_GWA0HdnhqagkVsl36srLW7c9q5m-kSeE1Ek__2sRvGE3HejYBvIuxDIhZaGgvWoUx7hK2G5m9bQ0/s320/Pauli+Bus.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Pauli team travel through Köpenick advertising the English fan club</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As we walked up the stairs at the Alte Försterei I heard Christian Arbeit say that Köpenich would 'stay red and white' and understood what he was on about when I saw one of the St.Pauli banners - 'Köpenick ist Braun und Weiss.' Again, all good fun. The atmosphere was up there with the best I have experienced pre-match at Union. Arbeit was unable to read out the Union team due to the incessant chanting from the home faithful. The place was unevenly packed with Sektor 3 (the gegengerade runs down one side of the ground) looking sparse at the corner near the visitors and overflowing into the aisles near the home end where we were situated next to a couple of St.Pauli fans decked out in their colours. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'll apologise now for getting on my high-horse but it is stuff like this that makes going to watch Union special. Two blokes, sharing jokes with the home fans and completely at ease with wearing club colours surrounded by rival fans. There is of course a bond between the two clubs. However, it is moments like this that the media will never pick up on. Preferring to talk of an increase in fan violence and other such nonsense. The two sets of supporters had actually chartered a boat to arrive in Köpenick together - a 4 hour trip from Friedrichstraße on a cold March afternoon. Rather them than me! I'll wait until August when the Botschafter organise their annual trip along the Spree to the match.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The atmosphere had been cranked up for this one. The first time Fortress Försterei had been completely sold out since the building of the new stand. Over 21,000 were there to witness what transpired to be a pulsating duel. The game living up to expectations. Naturally the opening stages were tentative with both teams battling it out in the middle of the park. The game and party atmosphere that has become a regular occurrence when Union play on a Friday night, kicked into life bang on 20 minutes. I imagine the Pauli coach would have been pleased at the age old football mantra of going away from home and 'keeping it tight for the first 20 minutes' and wondering whether Pauli could extend their winning streak. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Simon Terodde, quickly becoming Union's star striker these days, was the man who broke the deadlock. </span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhth28Ms1dtRH2aFcZIL0RUdEQLM5V8ysKvTufKN44itryiRQtXThXSVHAh0Z9LwISwcA0iBebartC8R8nIOjGp6NvCSKs_spyhNr74IoclYTVpG_DDVRtLF409EKFCt1Xmf_Y-7fNW4cU/s1600/Terodde+1-0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="71" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhth28Ms1dtRH2aFcZIL0RUdEQLM5V8ysKvTufKN44itryiRQtXThXSVHAh0Z9LwISwcA0iBebartC8R8nIOjGp6NvCSKs_spyhNr74IoclYTVpG_DDVRtLF409EKFCt1Xmf_Y-7fNW4cU/s400/Terodde+1-0.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrew Cherrie describes Union's opener as part of his excellent live Twitter coverage</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mattuschka, a thorn in the side of St.Pauli this term was instrumental again and as the result suggests won the midfield battle. He was shackled, often by 3 Pauli midfielders, but appeared to always find that extra yard. He's a quick thinker and always a step ahead of the opposition - if not literally then certainly mentally. When in this sort of form he's a joy to watch. Play of this quality is not always part and parcel of the Bundesliga 2. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The live tweeting is always good when you've actually been to match. I always re-read the tweets and this next 'passage of tweets' shows clearly the passage of play that led up to Pauli's equaliser.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLPCj8nAIgjvxtk0nzex_trYB_PkzsFI5AaTFLrV9_65MOqQ7b75jWCXBkUuK_khQ77e0ucrvUDv_kjNlqNpY9vXtVbKMZBJUnv9thv2aCLnCviJjcSdzwG6_J7jNiWUF5CeEO-LvGon4/s1600/Pauli+1.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLPCj8nAIgjvxtk0nzex_trYB_PkzsFI5AaTFLrV9_65MOqQ7b75jWCXBkUuK_khQ77e0ucrvUDv_kjNlqNpY9vXtVbKMZBJUnv9thv2aCLnCviJjcSdzwG6_J7jNiWUF5CeEO-LvGon4/s400/Pauli+1.1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cherrie describes the build-up to the first Pauli equaliser</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The goal always looked likely. The defensive re-shuffle had not made Union appear anymore stable than usual. To give credit to St.Pauli they defend from the front and it was an evening devoid of time on the ball. Short, sharp and 'schnell' was the order of the day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At 1-1 Union again put pressure on the visitors as they attacked the goal containing the noisy Pauli contingent. Union restored their lead just before half-time although Mattuschka almost contrived to miss what was a simple tap in. He hit the ball with such force that it flew into the back of the net via the underside of the crossbar. His muted celebrations were perhaps more to do with playing his 'get of jail free card' than effortless nonchalance. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The game remained 2-1 until the 76th minute which saw a peculiar spell of 3 goals in a mere 7 minutes. The goals were always coming and it was simply a matter of which team would tire first. The money was on Union. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgbGuezRPJLQvGtcnrF1-h5J2RYp1pkP8tg4CIBlSMNd1IjOSiBPxgVn9b4_46Yqi5sjH6-1NIK5ODwWVD5xWl_ekmuHZYBMGbC2wm1eF6SlKiSyFgGLl2Ti-rLWAPOEUHUnSvU6XOkFc/s1600/2nd+half.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgbGuezRPJLQvGtcnrF1-h5J2RYp1pkP8tg4CIBlSMNd1IjOSiBPxgVn9b4_46Yqi5sjH6-1NIK5ODwWVD5xWl_ekmuHZYBMGbC2wm1eF6SlKiSyFgGLl2Ti-rLWAPOEUHUnSvU6XOkFc/s400/2nd+half.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cherrie predicts the Nuehaus substitution</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The equaliser eventually came for St.Pauli in the shape of an absolute rocket from the full-back.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfBWaXnVfwt37yAdyAtEHhVX-5Eo9WqrU_UliaCWKaERsgqNLLeHMc9rJzzb5WvTSgAynPuK4vABGOs9c_M3sRc9lLZWT6jXGjyzx2PrG_pB1vrmge4EgQpq20u6gzOEspAeibkknysMk/s1600/Pauli+equaliser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="68" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfBWaXnVfwt37yAdyAtEHhVX-5Eo9WqrU_UliaCWKaERsgqNLLeHMc9rJzzb5WvTSgAynPuK4vABGOs9c_M3sRc9lLZWT6jXGjyzx2PrG_pB1vrmge4EgQpq20u6gzOEspAeibkknysMk/s400/Pauli+equaliser.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2-2 heralds the start of a 7 minute goal fest</td></tr>
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<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Union seemed to discover the tank was unlike the beer sellers backpacks and in fact not quite empty. They immediately launched wave after wave of attack in an attempt to restore their lead for a third time. They were rewarded in front of the home end with young Nemec adding his name to the score sheet after Zoundi had fired spectacularly wide when only a few yards out and one on one with the keeper. It was again the mercurial Mattuschka who created the opening with a beautifully weighted ball slipped into the path of the Union striker. The Försterei was bouncing and the 3-2 win that had been predicted at half-time by our resident tweeter was looking good. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Union were not finished and even had time to substitute Mattuschka and replace him with Menz before adding to their goal tally. It was Terodde again who gave the scoreline a touch of class. A 4-2 win sounds comfortable. This was anything but. It was a hard fought victory and a very valuable 3 points as Union only have 3 home games remaining. Union won't finish 3rd due to their poor away form but bettering last term is certainly achievable. Terodde's goal was of his own making. He received the ball with his back to goal and held of his man whilst swiveling and unleashing an unstoppable shot. He kept it low and it sped past the keeper to make it 4-2. The game had certainly lived up to expectations both on and off the pitch.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13701576796770113871noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7001086966134308167.post-52514086517863051222013-03-06T09:21:00.000+01:002013-03-06T09:22:13.979+01:00A Tale of Two Cities<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm in the middle of reading a Charles Dickens biography. I'm not usually big on literary references within the blog but I was reminded of this quote and thought it too good an opportunity to miss. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">This passage says it all about Union on a Friday night in Berlin followed by Sunderland on a Saturday afternoon in the north-east of England.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times,it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness,it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity,it was the season of light,it was the season of darkness,it was the spring of hope,it was the winter of despair.” </i>Charles Dickens,<i> A Tale of Two Cities.</i></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The best of times on the pitch were at Union as we demolished Aue 3-0. The worst of times was the sad realisation that in almost a year without a Sunderland home game, I'd drifted so far from the club, that I was not bothered about the match - just seeing my mates. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The age of wisdom can be found in the two club's balance sheets. Union remain solvent, admittedly after a turbulent past. Sunderland continue to spend Millions of a Billionaire's personal fortune on chasing a dream of mid-table security and the odd European away day. The Premier League is driving away goodwill, if not fans; appearing to be a great signifier of the age of foolishness.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Belief, as I have argued before, is paramount to the football fan. Always believe, we must 'still believe', even when the German fans are taunting us with 'It's coming home', as they did against Arsenal at the Emirates recently. The incredulity was seeing three penalties in two games. It should have been at least four.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spring poked his nose out at the Alte Försterei and the team responded with an equally dazzling performance. The Stadium of Light offered only the coat tails of winter darkness. The clouds loomed over the spaceship looking stadium. The place is a far away galaxy compared to Union's quirky home in the midst of the forest.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hope springs eternal at Union for a 3rd place finish. However, the Unioner also hope for progress. That would be 6th and quite an achievement. It's been a winter of despair on Wearside as Martin O'Neill's men have steadily slid down the table. Inching towards the Championship - at least the rest of the season will be interesting. Was life better in The Championship, one friend asks.</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13701576796770113871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7001086966134308167.post-15710545088092066672013-03-01T06:45:00.000+01:002013-03-01T08:01:20.934+01:00The Press Conference<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I board the U-Bahn at Schönleinstraße which straddles the border of
Neukölln and Kreuzberg - two different worlds. Kottbusser Damm separates them, but one wonders for how long, as estate agents brand northern Neukölln 'Kreuzkölln', in an attempt to drive up yield for foreign investors. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The U-Bahn usually snakes its way through the city but I won't experience
that today as I alight one stop before Alexanderplatz. I'm heading north to Jannowitzbrücke where I'll take the S-Bahn,
changing once to board the Erkner bound train, on a familiar route to the
Stadion An der Alten Försterie. Today is different though; it is I who will attempt
to straddle two worlds. It is I who wonder what I would even call myself if
anybody asks. Am I am fan? Most certainly. Am I a writer? Hardly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At Jannowitzbrücke I glance left at the top of the stairs as is my custom.
I'm fascinated by the TV Tower. The view from the platform Jannowitzbrücke
captures Berlin beautifully. An odd mix of the new (Alexa Shopping centre), the
old (Soviet Style apartments) and the ugly (a Lidl sits directly underneath
me). The '<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fernsehturm_Berlin" target="_blank">fernsehturm</a>' is obscured by a grey helmet of mist, reminiscent of
Union's mascot - the Knight. There is no red and white today; neither on the
tower’s top nor on the S-Bahn to Köpenick. Today is not a match day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Two days prior to a game Union always train behind closed doors and at noon
they hold a press conference. I've somehow invited myself and it beats my usual
lunchtime activity of buying delectable Turkish food, <i>just</i>. I'm crossing
the divide though; I've been a Sunderland fan for 30 years and never been to a
press conference. I'm a fan not a journalist. I wonder how to act. I can't very
well work the room introducing myself. This is Germany. The British may be
reserved but the Germans are - and I must generalise - cautious folk. I tighten
my grey scarf and remind myself to at least appear professional. I'd thought
better of wearing my Union scarf. Later I spot a chic black and red number with
a very small Union logo. Subtle. I'll have to get hold of one of those.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is a security guard at the gate before I have finished explaining I
am here for the press conference. I turn left, walking behind the new stand,
gazing at the yellow bricks that are being installed on the exterior. Christian
Arbeit later tells me the yellow bricks are used to deliberately and are pertinent
to Köpenick and the industry there. Fucking brilliant. They think of
everything. An emphatic nod to their roots when building, what could have been,
a ghastly all seated grandstand. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The press conference takes place in a grey portakabin. Everything is grey
today. I expect Neuhaus to be grey, bored by the questions of two points from
nine and a defeat last weekend in Köln. He's far from it. Before all of this though, I
take my seat on the back row. I text a couple of people. Count thirty two red
seats for the press and 16 hacks and mull over digging in to the
sandwiches. I'm eager to gobble one down but decide against it. I don't want to
blow my cover.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's almost noon when Christian Arbeit pats me on the back. I'm slightly
lost for words but manage to say hello and then come out with, 'exciting.' He
humours me, he's done this many times before yet still says, 'I hope so.' For
Arbeit, Neuhaus and the press pack it is another press conference. I'm taking
in every detail. Only two women and one seems to be involved with ensuring the
TV camera is in the correct position. The rest blokes. My cover has been blown.
I'm every inch the fan scribbling notes before a word has been uttered.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Arbeit is all smiles and handshakes. He's clearly a pro and has a good
rapport with the press. He's an imposing figure and would not look out of place
on stage swinging an axe. He's a huge music fan and back in his office we
discuss his favourite bands and tales of pints necked with the Manic Street
Preachers in Huxley's round the corner from my apartment. Brilliant.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Neuhaus enters and a hush descends on the room. He walks purposefully to
his seat on Christian's right and takes up his position; hands clenched, elbows
on the table and his face scanning the room. I look down at my notebook. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp7lE2LKTvk3t5Aik7rNrAmJMKCzQN05wqJjtFI-oj7_OHqXQaGOwEs2GvgdVeIVw2O3_8jR9UrjnQ7APNND7-4Q7u6RdUDGb0zDAWjmr_cI81MJZW1C693ZPMtVk25406rbMQOdn72-Q/s1600/carbeit.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp7lE2LKTvk3t5Aik7rNrAmJMKCzQN05wqJjtFI-oj7_OHqXQaGOwEs2GvgdVeIVw2O3_8jR9UrjnQ7APNND7-4Q7u6RdUDGb0zDAWjmr_cI81MJZW1C693ZPMtVk25406rbMQOdn72-Q/s400/carbeit.jpeg" width="339" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christian Arbeit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The press conference begins and Herr Koch (I missed which organisation he represented) says something, almost by accident, in response to
Christian. Arbeit, at ease with the room, laughs and asks him if he has
something to say. It's a relaxed atmosphere and Herr Koch half apologises and
Arbeit resumes and explains that there is an empty seat to his left as there is
no player attending the press conference today. The journalists are probably
disappointed. Perhaps players are less guarded and easier to get a good sound
bite from. As a fan I am pleased. No player means the Friday night game is
being treated as huge and a must-win. I've made noises on the impossibility of
3rd place for Union. Of course, I always hope. I always believe we can get a
couple of results and maybe lady luck will join us in the forest. Or does she
just hang around with the Old Lady?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Neuhaus expertly deals with the press and has his script prepared. The audience
seems largely local and it's not exactly a jousting match. It's more like
watching two tennis players warm up before a big game. Neither plays their
strongest shots. After the introduction from Christian, Uwe explains that there
are two different types of people. Optimists and skeptics. I remind myself to
look up 'skeptisch' in my dictionary. I imagine it's akin to an English manager saying pessimistic. Always best to be sure though; my German teacher often tells me to beware of the 'false friends' when learning German as an English speaker. Nuehaus proceeds to deliver a master class in saying a lot but saying very
little. Union have only taken two points from nine is one view. The other is
that they went to league leaders Hertha and played them off the park and have
only been beaten once this calendar year. Last weekend was a bad day at the
office, nothing more.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mattuschka was unavailable due to a bout of flu against Köln and the press
open with an obvious question alluding to Mattuschka's importance to
Union. Neuhaus explains he is club captain
and of course important. You can probably guess the rest of the answer. The
second question delves a little deeper although it's a practice serve and only
at half-speed. The journalist opts for a two part question. Why was Silvio preferred to Özbek last weekend and is Özbek fully fit. Neuhaus returns the classic answer
that he has been set up to give. The question has been dinked over the net so
he can smash a neat volley - he obliges. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My view is that Özbek is a new signing
and probably short of match practice. Union conceded a goal in each half and
whilst looking more comfortable on the ball in the second period, never really
posed a threat. Silvio or Özbek - take your pick, the result would have been
the same as too many players had an off-day. Silvio is fast losing currency at
Union. He tries though and when a player gives 100% at Union, much is forgiven. The press clearly sense this.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The third question is more intriguing and the contract of Menz is enquired
about. Neuhaus talks a lot and appears to say, 'who knows?' I make a note to
follow this up with Christian afterwards but fail miserably. I'll find
out what is going in the papers like all the other fans. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The questions move back to Köln then on to the second string and a
journalist asks about the fitness of Felipe Gallegos. What fans don’t always
realise is the hard work that goes in to signing a decent young player on a season long loan. Union had many targets and for their loan signing to be injured
all season is a cruel blow for those that had worked so hard on securing his
signature. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We then move back to Mattuschka and the training session earlier in
the day. If you can learn a lot from language used, which I think you can, it
is clear that Neuhaus rules the court. 'Deutlich' is his word of the day and he
'clearly', no pun intended, calls the shots. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The rally ends with Arbeit answering a question on ticket sales. Around
seventeen to eighteen thousand are expected on Friday evening when Union face
Erzgebirge Aue he tells the room as he concludes the press conference. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was an interesting experience and I feel privileged to have been invited.
I'm hampered by two aspects and only one of these I can cure. My German was not
good enough to follow everything that was said. The other aspect, which I
can do nothing about, unless I fancy being Neuhaus' arch enemy, are the media
questions. They're doing a job and they need copy. They can't serve too hard -
this is a face to face knock-around. I guess the harsh words are delivered by
the pen. Looking at the authoritative Neuhaus, this is perhaps wise. Above the
journalists heads the club have produced warning signs. Much like a ‘mind your
head’ sign although it says ‘Caution, headline area.’ The signs face both ways
and act as a comedic nudge to journalists and Union staff alike. Arbeit
explains that this went down well with the press and you can’t help but feel,
as Union slowly progress, that the press conferences that will be held in the
new media centre below the almost complete main stand, may soon attract a much
wider audience. </span><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13701576796770113871noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7001086966134308167.post-27824273755400993292013-02-26T21:36:00.005+01:002013-02-27T10:32:03.991+01:00This is not an interview - with Chris 'Lopez' Lopatta<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who is Chris Lopatta? He's an Unioner, an actor and he helped build the Stadion An der Alten Försterei. He's also taken the time to talk to me about Union. He tells me that it was in </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1977 that '<i>habe ich mein Herz an dieses rot-weiße Fahnenmeer verloren</i>'. He lost his heart to Union - he stood behind the stand when a game was sold out and was mesmersied by a sea of red and white. You can almost hear the memory in his voice as he passionately recalls the moment.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIDOs7KFphLljQfIbfZeAlo3sdaWO4VBp7JH6iLs4I_6D1aBkOuACL-IqR164vRlVoUQb74rtA7nd32jJlfGZ-27JJQHNf_eQVOvpmOmnxu_luKYRMeT_kKFkI6SLp785-AffsIy4I_YI/s1600/lopez_potrait.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIDOs7KFphLljQfIbfZeAlo3sdaWO4VBp7JH6iLs4I_6D1aBkOuACL-IqR164vRlVoUQb74rtA7nd32jJlfGZ-27JJQHNf_eQVOvpmOmnxu_luKYRMeT_kKFkI6SLp785-AffsIy4I_YI/s1600/lopez_potrait.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lopez</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'Football is our Religion' sings the voice. One of the many songs recorded about 1. FC Union Berlin. I sat for over 3 hours with Chris Lopatta (Lopez) discussing Union Berlin via music, books, diaries and photographs - oh, and of course the internet. We were able to go back in time to the days of the DDR using his diary and the musings of an eleven year old boy. We could also venture into the modern day with Google Street View showing Lopez the Stadium of Light - in Wearmouth not Lisbon. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Prior to trawling the numerous Lopez archives we broke bread. Not to confess anything other than our mutual love for Union and to eat a traditional German breakfast consisting of various meats and cheeses. Perhaps the blood of Christ was represented by the red of Union that Chris wore. I fear the analogy, like religion itself, is wearing thin. Exposed for nothing more than a way to convey a message. There is no message here, nor indeed an interview. Just two blokes sitting in an apartment in Prenzlauer Berg discussing footy, life, atheism and the stuff the Bayern Munich and Manchester United fans will never understand - relegation. We both laugh at that realisation. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How had I arrived here though? My Union journey is a strange one. Lopez and I both can't recall our first Union game from memory. If he consulted one of his many diaries he'd find the answer. As would I if I looked at the history of conversations, archived on email, with my mate Rob. 'I just remember the feeling,' Lopez explains. If you have been fortunate enough to attend a game at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei you'll understand this. The sermon (result) is not especially important. The key is the 'stimmung' - the atmosphere. On Union message boards many have on their profile - 'I do not go to the football, I go to Union.' It's a view the Berliners are sometimes criticised for. They should expect more. They should want more. They should want success at all costs. Does the history of East Germany play a part in the Unioner psyche - not chasing the dream, which requires the <i>spend, spend, spend </i>mentality? Maybe. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I first met Lopez prior to a theatre performance about Union in which he starred. I wrote a small piece <a href="http://unionberlinman.blogspot.de/2012/12/a-play-about-fc-union-berlin-das-stuck.html" target="_blank">here</a> about the show. With hindsight, it is apt that we met, not at the stadium, but at one of the cultural events that envelope the association. Wrapped up like a festive gift for the fans, the play was pre-Christmas and lasted for a week. As with the previous football matches in Köpenick that season, the show was 'ausverkauft' - sold-out. I was told to turn up without a ticket. I'd be looked after - they would get me in. Lopez greeted me in the doorway, not with the demeanour of a man ready to play the lead role in a play, but with a friendliness and enthusiasm that typifies the club. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Das Stück zum Spiel</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We agreed to meet during the 'winterpause' and had it not been for the dreaded 'grippe' (flu) we'd have achieved that aim. However, the postponement of our 'interview' meant that we'd seen each other at Union the previous Friday evening. Union dispatched of Sandhausen in a similar fashion to the opponents they had faced from Switzerland in a friendly only a week and a half previously. With ease. The winter break is a strange phenomenon and tough to adapt to. The first few weeks are fine. The last couple are agony. Lopez recalls the break had lasted for almost 10 weeks in winters of a bygone era. That certainly puts the six week pause into perspective.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Discussing Union with Lopez is always illuminating. I am treated to the view of the insider, a man who helped build the stadium, who features on stage in telling the Union story and who knows the club inside out. Lopez is a huge fan of Zingler - the President of the club. He talks of Dirk Zingler as a man who is 'one of us.' Lopez has pictures of Zingler from years ago as a fan. In modern football not many clubs can boast a President that prefers the terraces to the Executive Box - a true supporter. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The fact the people (not all fans), some 2,200 of them, built the stadium is a well-trodden path. I was keen to explore who these people were and why they did it. Clearly the large majority were fans of Union. However, a story that Lopez told me about a friend of his from Leipzig, sticks in the memory. The summer was approaching and his friend's son did not have a job. Rather than idle away the summer getting up to mischief in Leipzig, his mother suggested that the son go to Berlin and work on the stadium. He was not a Berliner, not an Unioner, yet he helped build the stadium. Again, as an outsider, you wonder if this was due to some kind of East German spirit. Not shying away from hard work and going off in search of community - rather than this being anything to do with football. A common theme at Union. Many are there as part of a ritual, to search for belonging. I'm heading dangerously close to comparing football and religion again - it's difficult not to.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.90625px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The following quote, although about religion, could equally apply to football and in particular Union - 'group identity can provide unity in the community.' From a very young age Lopez was gallivanting around the DDR and beyond watching football. His diary contains the scrawls of a pre-teenage boy; obsessed with the facts and security that football brings. The 'zuschauer' (spectators) are almost always noted, the scorers (with the time of the goals) and the diary often contains full team-sheets and of course, the final-score. Football offers a certainty, a result and you can chart history with many of the facts that are detailed in his diaries. However, you still require faith. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.90625px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We sat huddled over the small red pocket-diary, flicking from page to page. As I look at the dates I notice that it's approaching my 10th birthday. Lopez is slightly older and I explain that I was exactly ten years old the day the Berlin wall fell. I was at primary school the day that Lopez hitch-hiked from Greifswald to Berlin. I remember people talking about the Berlin wall at school. Lopez remembers the football fixtures either side of the wall coming down. Thousands were watching games in Berlin. The wall falls. Then, only '300 zuschauer' are jotted in his diary at a game between Union and Dresden. A fascinating insight into modern day history. Dwindling crowds, a tumbling Berlin wall and the start of a passion for Union that would see him end up with a lifetime 'dauerkarte' (season ticket). These are the stories that you only hear about when you attempt to get under the skin of the club. The sorts of stories that you learn about when you're really digging, trying to build something. Trying to understand the mind-set of the fans and of the community you are becoming a part of.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.90625px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'You've not written many notes. It's all in your head,' Lopez generously remarks. He's correct. I'm no interviewer. I sat silent for seconds when he asked me what other questions I had. I was not unprepared. It was almost as if the 3 hours we had sat there had been enough. Lopez naturally talks about his life, with Union intertwined, the two are inseparable. Clearly, Lopez is not alone in his love for Union. He mentions constantly the word 'heart' and words like 'love' are never far from the lips of an Unioner when it comes to his or her club. Again, a story that struck a chord was of an Erzgebirge Aue fan who loves Union. He explains that she lives in Berlin and can't help but come to matches. It's almost as if football fans do not have a choice where Union are concerned. It's no wonder Union have a fan club called 'Eisern Virus.' </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.90625px;">I'll be meeting Lopez again. Perhaps we can expand on away matches, the Berlin derby and other stories that I failed miserably to note down. His take on the Berlin derby is well worth recounting. Firstly, back to his diary. The man was a 'groundhopper' to use the modern day parlance. When he was not watching Union he was at Hertha or other games in the city such as Tennis Borussia - he just wanted to watch football. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.90625px;">It's this mentality that makes it easy to understand why Union fans are not that bothered about Hertha. Many of them would have watched Hertha years ago. There was no rivalry as the clubs did not play each other for geographical reasons. 'There is no history' between the two sides Lopez points out. Four competitive fixtures is indeed nothing to base a rivalry on. He describes the jousting that goes on between rival sets of fans as 'banter' and nothing more. Interestingly, the media and many on social networks take a different view to an Union banner that was held up at the Sandhausen game. The scenes at the Olympiastadion on Monday 11th February bear out Lopez's view, as many fans walked to the game together. In a city once divided this is especially poignant. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.90625px;">The middle of the stadium was a speckled red and blue colour and it was a city derby to be proud of.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.90625px;">Many thanks to Lopez for his generosity of spirit, hospitality and giving a lad from the north-east of England a greater insight into 1.FC Union Berlin. Und Niemals Vergessen...Eisern Union!</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13701576796770113871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7001086966134308167.post-11041303173268883602013-02-25T09:05:00.000+01:002013-02-25T09:05:47.810+01:00A Neutral View of Köln v Union<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I was navigating the second-hand household goods market in Berlin this weekend. A free washing machine and a very good value wardrobe were the fruits of my labour. Thankfully though, I was lucky enough to get in contact with Damon Main, editor of www.voicesinfootball.com who was attending the game. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"A native of the 'granite city' of Aberdeen with a passion for football, writing, photography and travel - Damon has spent most of his life watching the round ball game. From his first football match in 1978 to fulfilling a dream and watching Argentine football at the La Bombonera home of Boca Juniors, Damon somehow manages to combine his sense of wonderlust with his keyboard to bring readers voicesinfootball.com" </i></span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Here is Damon's take on proceedings in Köln on Saturday lunchtime. </i></span></div>
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At 11.15am it is very cold in central Koln - but that did not stop the welcoming party being in place at Köln Messe/Duetz station. By the ‘welcoming party’ we mean about 150 police complete with video cameras, police vans and all fully dressed in riot gear awaiting the football special from Berlin. At 11.39 the old Deutsche Bahn train pulls into the station and the songs, scarves and flags of Union Berlin fans celebrate arrival. They left Berlin shortly before 4am.</span><div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Union Ultra's - caught by the fuzz</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whilst FC Koln are new arrivals in the second tier of German football Union have been around in the league for a few years now. The current campaign is going quite well for Union and they sit in 6th position but some points off surprise front runners Eintracht Braunschweig and city rivals Hertha. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Union are placed neatly behind FSV Frankfurt and today’s opponent’s 1.FC Koln. The club from the Rhine are the new arrivals in the second division having finished 17th in the top tier following a dismal campaign. The current playing squad is reflective of the drop with star player Lukas Podolski sold onto Arsenal and budgets adjusted accordingly. <br /><br />Not that the team from the Rhein Energie Stadium are not used to a spell in the second division; they are known as one of German footballs foremost ‘yo-yo’ clubs constantly dipping between the top two leagues. With both clubs being in close proximity in league terms - if not geographically – the Saturday lunchtime game meant an early start for both teams and fans alike.<br /><br /><b>1. FC Koln v Union Berlin / Bundesliga II / Saturday 23.02.2013 / Rhein Energie Stadium / 42000 Zuschaeur </b><br /><br />From the platform at Koln Messe Duetz all the Union fans are hoarded onto trams to the rear of the station for the trip to the westerly located ground. The former Mungersdorfer Stadium, in both its old and new format, has long been one of Germany’s premier football stadiums. Used during the 1988 European Championships its subsequent upgrade to a modern footballing arena saw the stadium host games at both the 2005 European Championships and more notably at the World Cup in 2006 where the 2-2 between England and Sweden occurred.<br /><br />By 2005 it was retitled the Rhein Energie Stadium; the energy provider signing a deal to allow its name on the stadium frontage in exchange for substantial financial backing. The ground then went from a traditional multi-sport theatre to one more modelled on the British design; that of rectangular shape with four distinctive posts in each corner much like a boxing ring.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside the Stadium</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Speaking of boxing, the trams carrying the fans to the stadium were channelling in one by one as kick off approached, when a number of police vans sped by, towards the ground, at top speed. Suspicions that some sort of stand-off between police and rival sets of fans had occurred was later confirmed with a number of Union fans arrested. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><br />Given the weather front developing (snow, ice and a bitingly cold wind) the vast majority of supporters were indulging in more friendly means of warming up with bratwurst, fries, hot drinks and beers being downed by the dozen. Entering the stadium was fairly simple – no backlog of huge queues or small turnstile entrances just electronic ticket scanner gates with the formalities of a quick body search between fans and watching the game.<br /><br />Although nothing new security inside German football stadiums has grown – some say excessively – over the course of the current season. The relegation of Koln to the second tier witnessed one of a catalogue of serious fan incidents that have led to a media and state backlash against more extreme forms of support. Specifically stewards were looking for fans carrying pyrotechnics and offensive banners; a strong part of the remit to clamp down on supposed poor stadium behaviour.<br /><br />Union fans occupied the north end of the ground, at the opposite side from the tradition ‘Sud’ standing area of the more passionate red and white clad elements of the Koln support. On the pitch Union were playing in their away colours of deep blue – colours said to be representative of an early nickname of the club ‘schlosserjungs’ or metalworking boys. The blue colours are said to have been chosen being reminiscent of the blue overalls worn in the industrial districts of Berlin (the Eisern Union ‘Iron Union’ chants can be seen within the same theme).<br /><br />Early exchanges are dominated by Koln with numerous crosses coming into the box directed towards new Koln striker Austrian Stefan Maierhofer. The forward man is though ungainly and uncomfortable failing to use his height to the advantage of his team. More threatening for Koln is defensive lynchpin Canadian International Kevin McKenna who at every corner and free kick tries to get on the end of balls into the box. <br /><br />After a few threatening efforts it’s that man McKenna who eventually gets onto the end of a ball into the box to loop a header over Union keeper Haas. With the stronger arm the visiting keeper may have been able to keep the ball out but it had been a goal coming for some time.<br /><br />The Union fans despite being congregated on mass are surprisingly quiet in the corner; instead it’s the home fans that goad the visitors from the capital in the face of the on-field domination. <br /><br />By half time the snow is coming down in sheets and the ground staff are on clearing the lines of the icy snow around the penalty box. Things soon heat up in the second half though when Maierhofer belies his height to swivel in the box and fire past Haas and it looks game over.<br /><br />Only after falling 2-0 behind to Koln do Union attempt to ‘have a go’ and appease the travelling fans but generally the Union side are dysfunctional from the midfield onwards and offer nothing. Conditions underfoot do not help things – its slippy and wet making ball control and slick passing tough – but you got the impression that even on a carpet of velvet Union would have trouble putting home keeper Horn under any sort of noise.<br /><br />After the game Union fans trundle back to awaiting trams for the trip back to the city. Despite a few bowed heads I join them on a tram and as a group spirits seem surprisingly high despite what they have witnessed on the field and the long trip back home ahead that has to be negotiated. The trip to Koln for Union fans was one of the ‘must do’ of the season. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Union ist eine Religion</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. FC Koln remains one of the most traditional sides and the Rhein Energie as well as the city of Koln still has a big pull. Moreover the availability of football special trains in Germany allowed fans to travel together as a group on mass allows supporters to mingle, drink and sing songs whilst travelling without effecting ordinary passengers. On arrival the massed ranks of supporters together at a point in time allows police the opportunity to organise logistics of travel for fans separate from home fans to get to the stadium safely.<br /><br />Off the field the league table post game showed a Koln side only three points behind Kaiserslautern; with the Red Devils facing a crucial clash with Hertha Berlin on the Monday evening. Union meanwhile dropped to 8th place following the surprise victory of 1860 Munich away to leaders Braunschweig.<br /><br />The fact that such traditional team names such as Kaiserslautern, 1860 Munich and Hertha Berlin can be mentioned when discussion second tier Germany football gives some indication of the competitive field Union Berlin need to negotiate if a place at the top table is to be reached. As fellow ‘Kult’ club St.Pauli showed when they reached the Bundesliga staying in the top tier is another matter.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13701576796770113871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7001086966134308167.post-49210292881047242892013-02-23T09:27:00.004+01:002013-02-23T09:27:51.237+01:00A Tale of Two Hearts <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'<i>To have another language is to possess a second soul</i>.` One of the few quotes I can ever remember, so thus, a favourite. As the Berlin blogosphere (strangely) discusses whether you should learn German in Germany, I began to ponder this Charlemagne quote in relation to Union Berlin. I was worried my life revolved around Union until I discovered a friend had purchased an Union shower curtain. I've not plunged to those depths. <i>Yet</i>.</span><div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my hearts</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Supporting Union is akin to having two hearts. A second soul is something that I imagine nourishes you. A second heart would be a disability and could possibly kill you. I woke up this morning, stooped over the radiator to warm my hands before writing and peered down into the </span>Hof<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. Only one set of footsteps soiled the snow. The left-hand side must be the early risers. Not a footprint from the right hand side at this early hour.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I gaze upwards and study the small narrow rooftops, covered in a flimsy blanket of snow, I wonder what the weather is like in Birmingham and Cologne. Two hearts, pulling at each other, both eager for the blood, the knowledge that keeps them beating. Sunderland face West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns today. A compact ground. A good footballing side at present. A tough game for my hometown club. Union travel west to play Köln. Another compact ground and both sides are playing well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'd started the day watching a clip from a Sunderland game against Dynamo Moscow. I was disappointed we got beat 1-0. It was over 60 years ago. The 'joker of Roker' Len Shackleton was the star in those days for the Bank of England Club. Know your history, know your roots and you'll understand the people. Well, maybe if you can fathom the beautiful north-east accent. Full of warmth, passion and charm.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After watching that clip I'd read an e-mail from Michael from the Eiserne Botschafter and uploaded two pieces of lost property on to our Facebook page. How would Union get on today I thought as I messaged my partner in crime Andrew. I went for a 3-2 win. I <i>knew</i> Sunderland would get beat so focused on Union. I was not sure if I'd see either game due to making arrangements for moving apartment. Hopefully I'd see all of the Union game.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, what is it like having two hearts? You worry more, you get beat more often and you make ludicrous plans such as attempting to see both teams in the space of 24 hours. That story is to follow. However, your life is enriched as you make new friends, learn a new history and celebrate more goals. Friendships are formed and molded by results. Off to the pub to celebrate after a Friday night game. Nobody fancying even a coffee after a drab game on a Saturday as half of the city is ravaged by flu.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Football, like learning a language, is not always easy. The results don't always go your way but you make friends, share experiences and you're a better person for it. Give me two hearts, two souls. 6 points today would be brilliant. I have a sneaking suspicion it may just be the two though!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">PS - Sorry if you have Phil Collins in your head right now.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13701576796770113871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7001086966134308167.post-46731022415214294672013-02-17T15:06:00.001+01:002013-02-22T12:21:49.873+01:00Mein Erstes Mal / My First Time<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>When we have a proper website there will be a section about 'Mein Erstes Mal.' As a pre-cursor, have a read about how Newcastle fan, <a href="https://twitter.com/dce8" target="_blank">David Ellison</a>, popped his Union cherry. If you'd like to write about your first time (or anytime at all come to think of it) at Union get in touch - we'd love to share your story with everyone.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the Summer of 2011, myself and my good friend Scott had
planned to go on an InterRail trip for a month starting in July in my favourite
city of them all, Berlin. As it happened, the trip was postponed for a year,
but we were still going to Berlin so all was not lost. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">About a week or so prior to departure, I half-heartedly
checked the fixtures of a certain Hertha BSC, only to find they weren't playing.
In the back of my mind, probably as a result of too many games on <i>Football Manager, </i> I was sure there was another team in Berlin. 'I'll heck FC Union Berlin,` I thought and indeed I was right. Having
fumbled my way through their website using my A-Level German skills it turned
out they were playing Greuther Fürth at home on the day of our arrival.
Happily, our budget airline flight pitched us up at Schönefeld at 9am, meaning
we could attend. All I knew was that the Stadium was called 'Stadion An der
alten Försterei'; when translated, this means 'stadium near the old forester's house' which
didn't instill me with confidence with regard to finding the ground. It would be
fine, we knew the S-Bahn station we needed and from there we'd be OK, or so we
hoped. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We arrived in Berlin with no problems and dropped our bags
at our hostel near Friedrichstraße and returned to the station, bound for Köpenick, a town-cum-suburb at the Eastern edge of Berlin. As the train headed
east, we picked up ever more fans and slowly the buzz built inside me for my
first game beyond the confines of mainland Britain. Piling off the carriage and
down the stairs we began to follow the flow of fans towards the ground, buying
a beer off a man with a trolley, which we now realise is standard
Berlin practice. We passed a flare under a bridge and a rather busy looking bar
before walking through the forest on the approach to the ground itself. I made
reference to the name of the ground previously but I hadn't realised the ground
was actually in the forest! Sensational stuff. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We paid for our 'stehplatze' and treated ourselves to a 'schal' (scarf) before devouring the steak roll which to date remains the best food
I've eaten at a football match. Taking our places on the terrace I was
immediately drawn to the words above the stand behind the goal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'UNSERE LIEBE. UNSERE
MANNSCHAFT. UNSER STOLZ. UNSER VEREIN.'<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our love. Our team.
Our pride. Our association.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ewc79nBNKvp5P5rbOk5ArBtP7JaP55R42uAu_R9AP1JFj_j_eClpQkM4P70NQMNFCeM0eewpY8L4Guwp1cD9qdhEITBP5uoh1QTvRUJj6Qsof3MUrVR18llfGRJyR65X9_3CcyjYeVw/s1600/Union+Paderborn+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ewc79nBNKvp5P5rbOk5ArBtP7JaP55R42uAu_R9AP1JFj_j_eClpQkM4P70NQMNFCeM0eewpY8L4Guwp1cD9qdhEITBP5uoh1QTvRUJj6Qsof3MUrVR18llfGRJyR65X9_3CcyjYeVw/s400/Union+Paderborn+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One hell of a contrast to the vile 'SportsDirect.com' badge
emblazoned upon the home of my team at St James' Park. It was becoming
increasingly obvious that this was one hell of a club, one that's not just for
the people, but with the people. As
kick-off approached, so the terraces filled and suddenly everyone raised their
scarves with the loudspeakers beginning to bellow out a song. We obliged with
the scarf raising but we could not partake in the vociferous rendition of the
song which we now know as Nina Hagen's </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Eisern
Union</i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, but I did manage to pick out a few of the lyrics, which were clearly
hugely emotive.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wir aus dem Osten gehen immer nach vorn // We from the east always go
forward<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wer lässt sich nicht vom Westen kaufen// <o:p></o:p></span></i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: justify;"><i>Who will not be bought by the West? </i>(thanks KiWo)</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wir werden ewig leben//We will live forever<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Taken aback by this, it took a while to register the way in
which the Unioner were heralding the team sheet. It's fairly standard practice in Germany and
increasingly elsewhere for the announcer to shout out the player's forename
with the fans to belt out their surname. This is also the case at Union,
however there's a little addition on the
end - 'FUßBALL GOTT'. Football god. The game hadn't even kicked off and already
we were absolutely loving it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The game was soon underway but unfortunately the quality of
the atmosphere was not reciprocated on the pitch, with it being a largely
scrappy affair with Fürth being two up by the half hour mark. The support
remained unwavering from the Unioner whilst the small pocket of Fürth fans were
going absolutely wild, clearly enjoying their day out in the capital. All the
while an affable elderly gent kept chatting to us, albeit in German and with it
being three years since I'd spoken the language the conversation was rather lop
sided in his favour, with my responses mainly being 'Ja' and 'wir brauchen ein
Tor'. Half time came and went without incident aside from a fresh Berliner
Pilsner and after 50 minutes Fürth as good as sealed the win with the third.
Union had been creating good chances but conspiring to spurn them all with
incredible disdain. The forward line of John Jairo Mosquera and Silvio was far
from dynamic, prompting the crowd to come out with my favourite chant of the
day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ein Tor, dass kann doch nicht so schwer sein<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a goal cannot be <b>that</b>
difficult<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With the game sliding towards a defeat, I began to leaf
through my programme, where there was an article about the previous season's
win over Hertha at the Olympiastadion and Union's 25,000 away fans which was
yet more reason to love this club from the East. In the 80th minute Fürth got
themselves a fourth, which made no difference at all; Union fans still wanted a
goal and the Fürth fans remained crazed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was bizarre to us that the crowd never once turned on the
team; it was evident that these fans will follow the team whatever happens
without ever really getting angry. At a typical Premier League game, be it
Scottish or English, a game will never pass without fans hurling abuse at a
player, yet this never once happened. Indeed after the final whistle the vast
majority of the crowd stayed behind to applaud the team. Another extraordinary
moment on an extraordinary day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As we and the 15,000 others headed back through the forest
we wore our scarves proudly, despite the fact it was a lovely summer's day and
the S-Bahn was like an oven. Since that day I've followed Union closely, having
been back to see them twice more, most recently paying £200 for flights to see
the Berlin Derby whilst my browsing history is dominated by watching videos of
Union fans on YouTube. Some people have questioned my love for Union and my
reply is always a simple one; just go. I defy anyone to go and see 1. FC Union
Berlin and not fall in love and equally I defy anyone to visit Berlin and not
be mesmerised by an incredible city. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Einmal Unioner, immer Unioner<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once a Unioner, always a Unioner<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">David Ellison <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/dce8" target="_blank">@dce8</a></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13701576796770113871noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7001086966134308167.post-42995328243131743422013-02-16T16:50:00.001+01:002013-02-16T19:49:01.136+01:00Superman Nemec rescues point for Union<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To say Union were not as good as they were on Monday night would be akin to saying it was quite a big bang in the Russian sky this week. Nemec eventually found the Kryptonite in a game where Union players could not find their feet - nor each other. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Superman Nemec poster in today's programme</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The game was a catalogue of errors; players slipping at inopportune moments, the referee not giving the most blatant of penalties, Mattuschka having an off-day and a cheeky penalty attempt gone horribly wrong. Most of what I have described happened from the 85th minute onward. The previous minutes - aside from the Haas challenge that was more brick house than stonewall penalty - were forgettable. So much so, I've had to write this at 16:00 on a match day. By Sunday the game will be a mere footnote in a season where Union will perhaps rue their sluggish start.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The hangover that was feared after the exertions of the Berlin derby was realised inside the first minute. A routine cross was whipped across the face of the visitors goal. Union should have scored. On another day, perhaps they would have been sharper, perhaps they would have been one up and able to grind Ingolstadt into submission. As it was, the crowd were ground into submission with a display that wreaked off the morning after the night before.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Two of us in the group were close to losing our voices and we were carried by those around us. Trying to sing the odd song but struggling. The players mirrored our physical state, regularly falling over on the slippery surface and unable to create many clear-cut chances. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Before half-time the referee inexplicably waved play on after what seemed a certain foul by the Union goalkeeper. The Ingolstadt player was rounding Haas and his leg connected with the keepers outstretched leg. As the Ingolstadt players chased the referee up the pitch, Haas appeared to apologise to the victim of the injustice. After the touch of an elephant it was pleasing to see the sportsman's touch.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'They can play to midnight and they won't score,' I quipped, as Union went on the front foot, attempting to get the ball into the oppositions third of the pitch. They were a goal down after some neat interplay in the box from the team who started the day in 10th spot. The goal was not undeserved and was by no means against the run of play. Ingolstadt had a strange strategy of pressing quickly when Union were on the ball yet taking the sting out of the game with every goal-kick, free-kick or throw-in. They have only lost twice on the road for a reason.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Quirring was one of the two substitutes that Neuhaus introduced in the second half to change the game. It was down his right flank that Union tried to press. A ball was floated into Nemec and he scored another header. It was Union's turn to snatch the draw five minutes from time. We celebrated as if we'd won. Superman to the rescue. Fitting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Union had had a couple of half-hearted penalty appeals turned down. In the 90th minute the referee spotted an infringement in the box. He pointed to the spot, no doubt aware of his first half error. Union were furious, a yellow card was given for a bizarre act of a player running up to the ball on the spot and ranting at it (apparently he spat on the ball ha ha). The Ingolstadt player stepped up; as cool as Clarke Kent. However, he was no Superman. He chipped the ball, it struck the bar and the game was up. A point saved. The referee left the field to an enraged home support. Today, it was certainly a case of a point saved, rather than two points dropped. </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13701576796770113871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7001086966134308167.post-20787746291116352392013-02-12T17:15:00.002+01:002013-02-12T17:25:43.023+01:00Union Berlin Triumph Again <div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An unashamedly partisan post as I reflect on the Berlin derby. </span></div>
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Union have played Hertha in four competitive fixtures. It's currently one win a piece and on Monday 11th February, in the Olympiastadion, the 74,000+ crowd were treated to a pulsating derby that ended all square. The stadium was full of Union fans and not just in the away end, where over 20,000 were packed in; many not bothering with their allocated seats and congregating around the banners draped over the front of the upper-tier. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red flames greet Union Berlin</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Make no mistake, this was a triumph for the red and white team from Köpenick. Naturally, in the aftermath, there was talk of two points dropped rather than one point gained. That's inevitable after being 2-0 up and leading the game for well over an hour. The convincing nature of Union's demolition of Hertha in the opening hour will live long in the memory. Again, to be clear, Hertha were restricted to play acting, moaning and did little to test the Union goalkeeper in the first hour of this game. As they became increasingly frustrated the Unioner rallied around their team, becoming increasingly louder as the first half drew to a close. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The day had started early for the 'Union in Englisch' crowd as we joined forces with the Danish Union supporters and took over the Oscar Wilde pub in Berlin's Mitte district. We were also joined by representatives of the Swedish Unioner and our good friends from the Eiserne Botschafter. Friedrichstraße station was awash with red and white. Even those who were in the 'home' end were wearing Union scarves and were later able to walk freely around the stadium with no hint of trouble. There was an estimated 25,000 Union fans in the ground. Around 30% of the capacity. Without the neutrals and the international fans, who had traveled en masse, the derby probably would not have sold out. As Erik from the Swedish Unioner fan club pointed out, 'Hertha Berlin have spectators and Union Berlin have fans.' That's not to decry the Ostkurve, who do their best to create an atmosphere. It's just difficult in such a large arena with a running track and music that's played when the home team score.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The differences between the two clubs are stark. Hertha have spent lavishly in comparison to their neighbours, possess a gigantic rented stadium and the 40th and 75th minute were sponsored by firms keen to advertise themselves to the clubs' fans. They also went into the game as clear favourites and were a massive 15 points ahead of Union, and to give some context to Union's achievement, had conceded only 5 goals at home this season before the derby. The best defensive record in the division. Union finished this game with the 3rd worst away defence, in terms of goals conceded, in the league. The top three have now scored a total of 9 goals against the Berliners. Union's advantage is whilst they have garnered only 2 points from these three games, they have scored an impressive 8 goals in reply.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Union made a mockery of the stats and were leading inside 10 minutes. I've no idea what happened as I was probably about a mile away from the action on almost the back row of the upper-tier. Terodde scored - I learned this from someone in front of us who had an app. The delights of modern day football and watching in an international sporting arena. The net bulged and 25,000 Union fans went berserk. Standard stuff at big football games. I was hugging the long haired German, jumping around with my mate Rob and trading high-fives with 'app woman' and her husband. When Union score, whether home or away, I get this feeling of being at one with my fellow fans. I may not be fluent in German but football transcends this. Barriers fall down like a wall as people lose their inhibitions and freely hug strangers. Much as they probably did in Berlin on November 9th 1989.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you're reading this blog it is unlikely you need a match report. A blow by blow account is not what I can offer. The emotion and tension was that of a derby. You will the clock forward. At one stage in the second half I was sure that the seconds had started to slow down on the huge electronic scoreboard above the Ostkurve. I was worried. Half-time passed with much merriment as a home fan failed with his answer when guessing the amount of stations between Ostkreuz and Köpenick. It's 5 not 4. Ludicrous half-time entertainment from DB - the Hertha sponsors. As ludicrous as the situation on the S-Bahn post-match, as it took us over 2 hours to get back to our side of the city. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'd seen Union away in Braunschweig and we'd surrendered the lead twice. The nerves were settled when Mattuschka put the ball on a plate for Nemec. We could see this time and I ended up in the row in front due to the euphoric celebrations. This was 'our time' I thought. I did not dare breathe this out loud to Rob. Don't jinx it I told myself. The atmosphere was incessant. The sound could not escape out of the 'Marathon Gate' as Union increasingly upset Hertha's rhythm and closed down the home side. Union's players were clearly beginning to tire. Mattuschka had put in a tremendous shift, breaking up play, spreading the ball wide to the impressive Zoundi and playing the role of leader. He rose to the occasion as top players invariably do. He left the field to a rapturous applause from one-third of the stadium.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Brazilian, Ronny, had been shackled all game. The Union defence had spent an hour and a quarter brushing off their rivals with relative ease. However, they were undone by two set-pieces and it took something special and the help of the referee for Hertha to drag themselves back into the game. Union failed to clear the ball on a couple of occasions in the left full-back area. After the ball pinged about a free-kick was awarded. I was too far away to definitively tell if it was dubious. It appeared so and the referee had long since lost control of the game; brandishing cards at will and removing the ability to make a robust challenge out of the game. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As fate would have it the free-kick was a carbon copy of the Mattuschka effort that won the derby for Union back in 2011. 'He's too fucking far over,' I muttered as Haas, the Union keeper lined up his wall and stood two yards from his post. The gap was big enough to drive a Russian tank through, the wall failed and the ball ended up in the bottom corner. The Brazilian ran off to jump in the snow. The Unioner broke out in song. It was still a triumph though. We'd twice breached the meanest defence in the league. We'd shown it was not about resources but about team spirit, passionate fans and the pro-pyro lobby will have been happy. Union will likely be fined for the dramatic red flares that lit up the away end. Nonsensical stuff.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The nonsense was far from over though. The game was finished, we trudged off to wait silently together, red and blue, young and old, mother and son, father and daughter, 'auslander' (foreigner) and German. Then it happened. The nonsense. Rival fans were on separate platforms and took advantage of the mounds of snow that had been piled up. A few snowballs were thrown. All good natured. Then someone wearing blue - I won't dignify the idiot with the term fan - threw a glass bottle into the middle of the fans a mere 10 yards from where we were stood. The glass bottle rested near my feet and then we realised someone had been hit. Blood everywhere, the Unioner once again spilling blood for the cause. A sad and unnecessary end to a wonderful weekend. There were woman and children on the platform. Luckily there was no retaliation. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was, whilst not in terms of points, a victory for Union and I was proud to be part of it. Nobody expected such a high quality performance. Whilst Union could not mimic the 2011 victory, the performance was a significant improvement and Hertha were made to look poor this time round. Union may not gain promotion this season but only a fool would bet against them making an incredible ascent to the top tier in the next few seasons. Perhaps the next time Union play Hertha, both teams will be in the Bundesliga 1. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For more images of the derby take a look at the superb <a href="http://www.facebook.com/groundhoppingetc">www.facebook.com/groundhoppingetc</a> </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13701576796770113871noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7001086966134308167.post-49826143670409235292013-02-06T18:13:00.000+01:002013-02-06T18:15:46.419+01:00International FC Union Berlin supporters - Berlin derby weekend<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZWxqt5Vx5Xc9F5H5paAlT3PG3oP_vvC8AHJuR1pm_TN8BO-VS54Bl7kR1Jufwf_bC01pnRoV20-wuwuZdLaStKvaV5rgAI1NsaOQotdMIpVHcdglcavZwI2kWZq0f57qwZYu1ND8DiWA/s1600/1-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZWxqt5Vx5Xc9F5H5paAlT3PG3oP_vvC8AHJuR1pm_TN8BO-VS54Bl7kR1Jufwf_bC01pnRoV20-wuwuZdLaStKvaV5rgAI1NsaOQotdMIpVHcdglcavZwI2kWZq0f57qwZYu1ND8DiWA/s400/1-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The score last time at the Olympiastadion</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Union in Englisch</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Firstly, the name is not serious. Thanks for the correspondence and feedback though. My favourite was that it should be 'English' not 'Englisch.' At present we have a facebook page and Twitter account. We're meeting before the next Union game to discuss website content and to start building the site. We're especially interested in articles on your visits to Union, why Union and of course any pictures. Post them on our page, drop us an e-mail (unioninenglisch@gmail.com) or send us a tweet to @unioninenglisch - it's always great to hear from people.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsTDv4eejni1lL7gEoh_g3Uoz1tdg_GwupnnSu2oEmTIWKQ3ujXdQaVYNRFUHLny0pM-GxehA8ZV41CZwLm1FT63OV3rfCDR8n6g7v4IAXPnghTX57v6RJ5NFUoXUTuI06NsA-Aoys530/s1600/Union_in_englisch+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsTDv4eejni1lL7gEoh_g3Uoz1tdg_GwupnnSu2oEmTIWKQ3ujXdQaVYNRFUHLny0pM-GxehA8ZV41CZwLm1FT63OV3rfCDR8n6g7v4IAXPnghTX57v6RJ5NFUoXUTuI06NsA-Aoys530/s400/Union_in_englisch+(2).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stickers available on the day - limited edition</td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What is the point?</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Someone asked me this the other day. I told them to jump. There is no point. You live. You die. Sorry, why have a fan club with information in English - everyone should speak enough German to sort out tickets or they should not bother attending. That's an interesting view but not a view we subscribe to. Firstly, we're made up of a bunch of people from the UK, Germany, the Netherlands and Scandinavia. English is our common language. We all speak German to varying degrees of success. We all love speaking to the locals and learning about the history of Union. If we can then pass on what we learn to the English speaking world we see that as a good thing. No Dice Magazine has been a big success story recently. An <a href="http://www.nodicemagazine.com/" target="_blank"><b>English language magazine</b></a> all about Berlin football. People told them they were mad. They proved the critics wrong. It's been a huge success.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The Launch</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On Sunday at 17:00 we'll be launching the concept of an English speaking supporters group of Eisern Union. Details <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/324899277626513/?fref=ts" target="_blank">here</a> </b>about the exhibition. Union is about more than football. It's about community and it's also about the theatre (there is an Union play) and about art. The <b><a href="http://www.eiserne-botschafter.com/" target="_blank">Eiserne Botschafter</a></b> (Union Ambassadors) have kindly partnered with us to host our launch event. A massive coup and we're delighted as they have a Union Berlin modern museum which will open as well. It has numerous Union artefacts and is worth a visit in its own right.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The exhibition will feature 32 photographs dating back to 2006. We can exclusively reveal that the prints (300mm by 450mm - pretty big!) will be available to order on the night. They will be €10 each or 2 for €15 (excluding postage and packing). This is simply to cover the costs of the exhibition. Hopefully we'll have some cash in the kitty to fund the website too! If you live abroad (or in Berlin) we'll of course post them out to you in special tubes to protect the prints.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After the exhibition we will be going to an Union pub nearby. An experience in itself. Check out the event page above for details.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What else can I do over the weekend in Berlin?</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Clearly there are a lot of international Union supporters in Berlin for the derby on Monday. If you're anything like us you'll be spending the weekend taking in a mixture of culture, football, average food and drinking. To help you with all of these things just read on.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Regular contributor Felix has put together a good list of games that are on over the weekend. Click <b><a href="http://groundhoppingetc.com/2013/02/03/berlin-derby-weekend-advice/" target="_blank">here</a></b> to read it. My personal recommendation is the Tennis Borussia game on the Friday night. A gem of a stadium and great club. If you want to see Union place twice during your stay, then it's <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;">Union Berlin II vs. Red Bull Leipzig (Regionalliga) at the Jahnsportpark</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"> for you! Handy if you want to brave the elements and take in the legendary <b><a href="http://www.mauerpark.info/" target="_blank">Mauerpark</a></b> flea market prior to the game. For a traditional German breakfast I strongly recommend <b><a href="http://www.qype.com/place/15720-Entweder-Oder-Berlin" target="_blank">Entweder Oder</a></b> which is also nearby. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Derby Day</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As well as our launch event we'll be meeting for a few pre-match drinks on Monday afternoon. Whether you are an Unioner or a Hertha fan, we'd love to see you for a beer. This is a friendly city derby and we're keen to enter in to the spirit of things. We're hopeful the UK Hertha fans will join us as well!<br /><br />We've decided to travel to the game from Friedrichstraße via the S-Bahn. We needed a pub in close proximity and have opted for an Irish boozer - <b><a href="http://www.oscar-wilde-irish-pub.de/" target="_blank">Oscar Wilde</a></b>. It serves food, alcohol and is an ideal central meeting point. The plan is to be in there from around 15:00 and depart just before 18:00. If you can't find us then ask at the bar or look for 10 Swedish lads!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Eisern!!! </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13701576796770113871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7001086966134308167.post-89021287865327599312013-01-29T11:05:00.003+01:002013-01-29T11:05:43.146+01:00Ticket News: Sandhausen, Ingolstadt & Erzgebirge Aue<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tickets are now available online <b><a href="https://www.themisweb.fr/rodwebshop/fListeManifs.aspx?idstructure=0267" target="_blank">here</a></b> for the following fixtures:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />1. FC Union Berlin - SV Sandhausen / on Friday, February 1, 2013 18:00<br /><br />1. FC Union Berlin - FC Ingolstadt 04 / on Saturday, February 16, 2013 13:00</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. FC Union Berlin - FC Erzgebirge Aue / on Friday Mar 01, 2013 18:00</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can buy up to 10 tickets per login. If you need more than 10 tickets, create a new login with a different e-mail address although you can use the same card for payment for both if you wish.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sektor 2 is behind the goal and Sektor 3 is the side opposite the new stand which is all seated should you prefer to sit. For a map and prices click <b><a href="http://www.fc-union-berlin.de/tickets/preise/" target="_blank">here</a></b>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In does not matter which block you opt for. You can move freely around the sektor that you purchase your tickets for. You show your ticket twice at Union. Once at the gate as you'd expect. Expect a cursory search. When they say something to you and you don't understand just raise your arms. You also show your ticket to a steward as you climb the stairs - have it handy if you wandering up with a drink and food.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13701576796770113871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7001086966134308167.post-41305609136859855202013-01-28T17:32:00.002+01:002013-01-28T17:41:50.661+01:00Reality <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is a theory known as simulated reality. It's pretty complex and I don't claim to have done anything other than used a search engine and glanced at a few pages on Wikipedia. My limited understanding is that there is a chance that we're a simulation set up by 'people' in the future to see what life was like and how we react in certain scenarios - like how will the human race deal with climate change or will Uwe Neuhaus strengthen his forward line? The big questions in life. In my life anyway. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So let's make the assumption that we've been here before - or at least someone has. There was an FC Union Berlin many years ago before the human race wiped itself out. What happened to the club? Where did it go right? Where did it go wrong? Remember, this is probably the 100th time we've played the 2012/3 season. Let's try and learn something this time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What are the possibilities from here on in? The first is that Union fail to adequately strengthen, a poor set of results and a derby defeat send Union hurtling down the table and we narrowly avoid relegation. Nobody can understand why we signed a bloke whose own fans called him a fatty to replace Markus Karl. Injuries to Nemec and Terodde leave us relying on an out of form Silvio and a reserve striker called Skrzybski. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another possibility is that Union, buoyed by the new stand and an even louder home crowd are roared on to victory in every home game they play after the winterpause. They also tighten up away from home and earn a solid draw at rivals Hertha whilst surprisingly doing the double over Köln and beating Bochum on the final day to secure a play-off spot. All done on a shoe.string budget with Nemec and Terodde forming a lethal partnership.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another reality is that Union pipped rivals Cottbus to the signing of their former player John Jairo Mosquera. The former striker, who scored the equaliser in the win against Hertha back in 2011, becomes a crowd favourite after demolishing the west Berliners with a brace as Union win 2-1 again. The signing of another striker adds competition but Terodde and Nemec struggle to find form. Injuries ravage the Union squad and new signing </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Barış Özbek contracts a mystery virus and never plays for the club again. Neuhaus is ousted as manager and Mattuschka takes over as player-Coach and Union finish 12th. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">In a season that most hail as the strangest ever, Union win the league but are disqualified for taking their rightful place in the top flight of German football. The authorities get revenge on Union for not signing the original 'safe stadium experience' document and invent a number of excuses that centre around the Alte Försterei not being fit for Bundesliga 1 football. An ultimatum is offered to President Zingler and he refuses the offer. Union can only be promoted if they make their ground all-seater. Union fans praise their President and vow never to play top flight football in Germany. This strange stance attracts huge attention and Union become unplayable at home and win the league again in the 2013/4 season. Again, they take the glory but not their rightful position among the elite.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">I am in serious need of the football season re-starting. Bring on Friday night. Feel free to make equally ludicrous 'reality' up below in the comments section. Who knows, it could have already happened!</span></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13701576796770113871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7001086966134308167.post-17009538830545293992013-01-18T12:55:00.000+01:002013-01-18T12:55:11.992+01:00Torsten Mattuschka Profile & Scousers<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As there are about 60 of you who subscribe via e-mail I thought I'd send you a couple of articles I wrote recently.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first is about <a href="http://bundesligafootball.co.uk/2013/01/torsten-mattuschka/" target="_blank"><b>club captain Torsten Mattuschka</b></a> who needs no introduction.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://thisnorthernsoul.co.uk/regular-features/sixy-talk-sunderland-h" target="_blank"><b>The second is a lighthearted preview of Wigan v Sunderland</b></a>. Union, Juventus and the devious Scousers feature. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If any of you would like to write a piece for the blog do get in touch. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13701576796770113871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7001086966134308167.post-20518108989570179922013-01-11T17:41:00.001+01:002015-02-16T08:33:01.147+01:00'Union in Englisch' Launch Event<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Click <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/324899277626513/" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a> for details and the address. You can also confirm attendance or leave us a nice message!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/UnioninEnglisch" target="_blank">Union in Englisch</a> present <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GroundhoppingEtc" target="_blank">Groundhoppping etc</a>. in association with the <a href="http://www.eiserne-botschafter.com/" target="_blank">Eiserne Botschafter</a>.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;" />A photography exhibition about 1. FC Union Berlin charting the history of 'Eisern' Union in 32 pictures: from the 2005/06 Oberliga season, through their years in the Regionalliga and 3. Liga, culminating in their return to 2. Bundesliga, where Union are now playing their fourth consecutive season.<br /><br />Take a look at how the average attendance doubled in a matter of years, and how the Stadion an der Alten Försterei got a refurbishing, a roof and a shiny new main stand that is being built at the speed of light as you read these lines. The photos show Union's progress over eight seasons and are a reminder of what has been achieved in such a short space of time. Und Niemals Vergessen...Eisern Union!<br /><br />Union in Englisch are a new initiative. As the name suggests, their aim is to provide an English-language service of news and match reports, and to act as an information point for people interested in Union Berlin.<br /><br />Groundhopping etc. is run by Felix, who lost his heart to Union in 2001 but can also never resist a football game in other places he happens to travel to. He documents match experiences and football culture on his pages, and he contributes reports to other sites as well.<br /><br />The Eiserne Botschafter are an official fan group and are kindly hosting this exhibition.<br /><br />Deutsch:<br /><br />Union in Englisch präsentieren Groundhopping etc. in Zusammenarbeit mit den Eisernen Botschaftern.<br /><br />Die Fotoausstellung zeigt die jüngste Geschichte des 1. FC Union Berlin in 32 Bildern: von der Oberligasaison 2005/06 über die Jahre in der Regionalliga und Dritten Liga bis hin zum Wiederaufstieg in die 2. Bundesliga, wo Union in nunmehr das vierte Jahr in Folge spielt.<br /><br />In dieser Zeit hat sich der Zuschauerschnitt mehr als verdoppelt und wurde das Stadion an der Alten Försterei runderneuert: es hat jetzt nicht nur ein Dach sondern bald auch eine moderne Haupttribüne, die gerade in Lichtgeschwindigkeit gebaut wird. Die Bilder zeigen Unions Entwicklung über diese acht Spielzeiten und erinnern daran, wie weit sich der Verein in so kurzer Zeit entwickelt hat. Und Niemals Vergessen…Eisern Union!<br /><br />Union in Englisch ist eine neue Initiative die – dem Namen getreu – Informationen, Neuigkeiten und Spielberichte über Union in englischer Sprache erstellt und verbreitet und ein Anlaufpunkt ist für alle die an Union Berlin interessiert sind.<br /><br />Groundhopping etc. wird von Felix betrieben, der 2001 sein Herz an Union verloren hat, aber auch schwer Fußballspielen an anderen Orten widerstehen kann. Er dokumentiert seine Stadionerlebnisse und Fußballkultur auf seinen Seiten und schreibt auch für andere Medien.<br /><br />Die Eisernen Botschafter sind ein offizieller Fan-Club, und freundlicherweise Gastgeber für diese Ausstellung.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13701576796770113871noreply@blogger.com0